history essay competition high school

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The versus history essay prize.

• Essays may be up to 2,000 words, including any footnotes, but excluding references and the bibliography. 
• Essays should feature references, which can be in any recognised format, and must include a bibliography. 
• The originality/authenticity of all submissions will be checked using a range of methods at the discretion of the panel. 

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25 Best Writing Competitions for High School Students – 2024

April 12, 2024

Over the past several years, the number of college applicants has been steadily rising. [i] As college admissions become more competitive, there are many steps a student can take to achieve high school success and become an outstanding candidate for college admissions: earning high SAT scores, securing strong letters of recommendation , and participating in various competitions will all boost your admissions prospects. [ii] In particular, writing competitions for high school students are a popular way to win scholarships and prize money, receive feedback on writing, build a portfolio of public work, and add to college application credentials!

Below, we’ve selected twenty-five writing competitions for high school students and sorted them by three general topics: 1) language, literature and arts, 2) STEM, environment and sustainability, and 3) politics, history and philosophy. It’s never too soon to begin thinking about your future college prospects, and even if you are a freshman, many of these writing competitions for high schoolers will be open to you! [iii]

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Language, Literature, and Arts

1) adroit prizes for poetry and prose.

This prestigious creative writing award offers high school students the opportunity to showcase their work in Adroit Journal . Judges are acclaimed writers in their respective genres.

• Eligibility: All high school students (including international students) are eligible to apply. Poetry contestants may submit up to five poems. Prose contestants may submit up to three pieces of fiction or nonfiction writing (for a combined total of 3,500 words – excerpts accepted).
• Prize: Winners will receive $200 and their writing will be published in Adroit Journal . All submitted entries will be considered for publication!
• Deadline: May 1st (specific deadline may vary by year).

2)  Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

This unique essay competition allows writers the chance to explore and respond to Ayn Rand’s fascinating and polemic 1957 novel Atlas Shrugged . Specific essay topics are posted every three months; prizes are granted seasonally with a grand prize winner announced every year.

• Prize: Annual grand prize is $25,000.
• Deadline: Deadlines occur every season, for each seasonal prompt.
• Eligibility: Essays must be written in English and be 800-1,600 words in length.

Writing Competitions for High School Students (Continued)

3)  the bennington young writers awards.

Through Bennington College, this high school writing competition offers three prizes in three different genre categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Winners and finalists who decide to attend Bennington College will ultimately receive a substantial scholarship prize.

• Eligibility: U.S. and international students in grades 9 through 12 may apply.
• Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place wins $500; third place winners receive $250. YWA winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington receive a $15,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $60,000). YWA finalists who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $10,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $40,000).
• Deadline: The competition runs annually from September 1st to November 1st.

4)  Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Student Essay Contest

Do you love Jane Austen? If so, this is the high school writing competition for you! With the JASNA Student Essay Contest, high school students have the opportunity to write a six to eight-page essay about Jane Austen’s works, focused on a specific, designated topic for the competition year.

• Eligibility: Any high school student (homeschooled students also eligible) enrolled during the contest year may submit an essay.
• Prize: First place winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and two nights’ lodging for the upcoming annual JASNA meeting. Second place wins a $500 scholarship and third place wins a $250 scholarship. All winners will additionally receive a year membership in JASNA, the online publication of their article, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.
• Deadline: Submission accepted from February-June 1st (specific dates may vary by year).

5)  The Kennedy Center VSA Playwright Discovery Program

Young aspiring writers with disabilities are encouraged to apply to this unique program. Students are asked to submit a ten-minute play script that explores any topic, including the student’s own disability experience.

• Eligibility: U.S. and international high school students with disabilities ages 14-19 may apply.
• Prize: Multiple winners will receive exclusive access to professional development and networking opportunities at The Kennedy Center.
• Deadline: January (specific deadline date may vary by year).

6)  Leonard M. Milburg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Through Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, this prestigious writing competition for high school students recognizes outstanding poetry writing and is judged by creative writing faculty at Princeton University.

• Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Applicants may submit up to three poems.
• Prize: First place wins $1,500; second place wins $750; third place wins $500.
• Deadline: November (specific deadline date may vary by year).

7)  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Nancy Thorp was a student at Hollins University who showed great promise as a poet. After her death, her family established this scholarship to support budding young poets.

• Eligibility: Female high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Prize: First place wins $350 and publication in Cargoes literary magazine, along with a $5,000 renewable scholarship (up to $20,000 over four years) if the student enrolls in Hollins University, and free tuition and housing for Hollins University’s summer creative writing program (grades 9-12). Second place wins publication in Cargoes, along with a $1,000 renewable scholarship ($4,000 over four years) if the student enrolls at Hollins and $500 to apply toward Hollins’ summer creative writing program.
• Deadline: October (specific deadline date may vary by year).

8)  National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing

Students may be nominated by their English teachers to win this prestigious writing award. Winners “exhibit the power to inform and move an audience through language” and prompts and genres may vary by competition year.

• Prize: A certificate will be awarded to students who are judged to have exceptional writing skills. Student names will be displayed on the NCTE website.
• Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors are eligible for nomination.
• Deadline: February (specific dates may vary by year). Contest prompts released in August.

9)  National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

At Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, numerous opportunities for scholarships and awards await those who submit writing in various genres: literary criticism, drama, poetry, and fiction. In all, there are 28 generic categories of art and writing to choose from!

• Eligibility: Teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) may apply.
• Prize: Various types of recognition and scholarships (up to $12,500) are offered for these award winners.
• Deadline: Scholastic Awards opens for entries in September; deadlines range from December to January.

10)  National Society of High School Scholars Creative Writing Scholarship

In this creative writing competition for high schoolers, students have the opportunity to submit a piece poetry or fiction (or both – one in each category!) for the opportunity to be published on the NSHSS website and win a monetary prize.

• Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 may apply.
• Prize: There will be three $2,000 awards for the fiction category and three $2,000 awards for the poetry category.
• Deadline: Submissions Accepted from May to October (specific dates may vary by year).

11)  National Writing Award: The Humanities and a Freer Tomorrow

This writing competition allows high school students the chance to be nominated by a teacher for a piece of writing in response to Ruth J. Simmons’ “Facing History to Find a Better Future.” Specific prompt topics may vary by year.

• Eligibility: Nominating teachers can submit work from 11th and 12th graders in one category (fiction, poetry, prose, or essay).
• Prize: One top prize of $1,000. Four additional prizes of $500 each. Winners will have the opportunity to have their work published by NCTE.
• Deadline: Applications are open September to October (specific dates may vary by year).

12)  New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award

Although this prestigious award isn’t exclusively for high schoolers (anyone younger than 35 may submit a work of fiction), if you’ve written a collection of short stories or even a novel, you should certainly consider applying!

• Eligibility: Any writer below the age of 35 may submit a novel or collection of short stories to participate in this competition.
• Prize: $10,000 award.
• Deadline: September (specific date may vary by year).

13)  Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest

This writing competition for high school students awards three annual top prizes for the best ten-minute play. Play submissions are judged each year by an acclaimed guest playwright.

• Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Students may submit one play entry; entries must be ten pages or less. Plays must be written in English.
• Prize: First place prize is $500; second place is $250; third place is $100.
• Deadline: Varies by year. However, students are recommended to submit before the deadline date – the submission portal will close when a maximum of 250 applicants have applied.

14)  YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

In this exciting writing competition, students have the chance to submit an original play script for a play of around 10-40 minutes in length. An excellent competition choice for any student considering a future in the theatre!

• Eligibility: Prospective authors ages 19 and under may submit a script for consideration in the competition. See specific writing guidelines here .
• Prize: First prize wins $250 and publication with YouthPLAYS; second prize wins $100.
• Deadline: Submissions run from January 1st to May 1st.

STEM, Environment, and Sustainability High School Writing Competitions

15)  engineergirl essay contest.

This wonderful essay contest invites students to explore topics related to engineering and science. Each year a new, specific prompt will be chosen for young writers who wish to compete.

• Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. Previous winners and close family members of employees of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine are not eligible.
• Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place receives $750; third place receives $500.
• Deadline: Competition opens in September and submissions are due February 1st of the following year. Winners are announced in the summer.

16)  Ocean Awareness Contest

The Ocean Awareness Contest is an opportunity for students to create written and artistic projects that explore sustainability, environmentalism, and positive change. High school freshmen (up to age 14) may apply to the Junior Division. Students ages 15-18 may enter the Senior Division.

• Eligibility: Students ages 11-18 may apply (international students included).
• Prize: Monetary prizes ranging from $100-$1000 will be awarded each year. Additionally, $500 will be awarded to ten students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Latino via the We All Rise Prize program.
• Deadline: June 10, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

17)  Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder / Sense of Wild Contest

If you are interested in issues of sustainability, environment, biology and the natural world, this is one of the high school writing competitions that is just for you! Essay prompts explore the natural world and our place within it and may include poetry, essays, and photography.

• Eligibility: Students must pair with an adult from a different generation (e.g. parent, grandparent or teacher – contestants need not be related). Entries must be submitted as a team.
• Prize: Winners will receive a certificate from RCLA; their first names, ages, and entry titles will be posted on the RCLA website.
• Deadline: November 16th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

18)  River of Words Competition

This writing competition for high school students is another top choice for those thinking of pursuing majors or careers in biology, environment, and sustainability; this specific contest hopes to promote positive education in sustainability by “promoting environmental literacy through the arts and cultural exchange.”

• Eligibility: Any U.S. or international student from kindergarten through 12th grade may apply.
• Prize: Winners will be published in the River of Words
• Deadline: January (specific deadline may vary by year).

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Politics, History and Philosophy

19)  american foreign service association essay contest.

With this writing competition for high school students, entrants may submit essays ranging from 1,000-1,500 words about diplomacy, history, and international politics (specific prompts vary by year).

• Eligibility: Students in grades nine through twelve may apply. Students whose parents are in the Foreign Service Association are not eligible.
• Prize: The first-place winner will receive $2,500, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and the winner’s parents, and an all-expense paid voyage via Semester at Sea. The second-place winner receives $1,250 and full tuition for a summer session at the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.
• Deadline: Early spring (specific deadline may vary by year).

20)  Bill of Rights Institute We the Students Essay Contest

In this writing competition for high school students, civic-minded U.S. high schoolers may explore the principles and virtues of the Bill of Rights Institute. Interested applicants should review the specific submission guidelines .

• Eligibility: Any high school student aged 13 to 19 may apply.
• Prize: Prizes range from $1,500 to $10,000.
• Deadline: Submissions for 2024 due May 19th (specific deadline may vary by year).

21)  JFK Presidential Library and Museum Profile in Courage Essay Contest

For students interested in history and political science, this competition offers the chance to write about U.S. elected officials who have demonstrated political courage.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school students from grades 9-12 may apply.
• Prize: First prize is $10,000; second prize receives $3,000; five finalists receive $1,000 each; ten semifinalists receive $100 each; eight students receive honorable mention.
• Deadline: Submissions accepted from September to January (specific deadline may vary by year).
• Sample Essays: 2000-2023 Contest Winner Essays

22)  John Locke Institute Essay Competition

This essay competition is for students who would like to write about and cultivate “independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style” from one of seven intellectual categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology or law.

• Eligibility: Students from any country may submit an essay.
• Prize: $2,000 for each subject category winner toward a John Locke Institute program; winning essays will be published on the Institute’s website.
• Deadline: Registration must be completed by May 31st, 2024; essay submission due June 30th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

23)  Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association Essay Contest

This exciting writing competition for high schoolers allows students to explore topics related to journalism, democracy and media literacy. Specific prompts will be provided for contestants each year.

• Eligibility: All U.S. students from grades 9-12 may submit original writing to participate in this contest.
• Prize: First-place winners will receive $1,000; second place is awarded $500; third place receives $300.
• Deadline: February (specific deadline may vary by year).

24)  Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Youth Scholarship Essay

This audio essay allows high school students the opportunity to “express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriot-themed recorded essay.” One winner will be granted a $35,000 scholarship to be paid toward their university, college, or vocational school of choice. Smaller prizes range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner in each VFW state wins $1,000.

• Prize: College scholarships range from $1,000-$35,000
• Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 9-12 may submit a 3-5-minute audio essay.
• Deadline: October 31st
• Sample Written Essay: 2023-2024 Prize-winning essay by Sophia Lin

25)  World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition recognizes young scholars who explore world historical events and how they relate to the student scholar personally. Ultimately the student writer must describe “the experience of being changed by a better understanding of world history.”

• Eligibility: Internationally, students ages K-12 may submit an entry. See specific prompt and submission guidelines for writing instructions.
• Prize: $500

Writing Competitions for High School Students – Sources

[i] Institute for Education Sciences: National Center for Education Statistics. “Number of applications for admission from first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students were received by postsecondary institutions in the fall.” https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/TrendGenerator/app/answer/10/101

[ii] Jaschik, Scott. “Record Applications, Record Rejections.” Inside Higher Ed . 3 April 2022. https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2022/04/04/most-competitive-colleges-get-more-competitive

[iii] Wood, Sarah. “College Applications are on the Rise: What to Know.” U.S. News & World Report. 21 June 2022. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/college-applications-are-on-the-rise-what-to-know

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Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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American History Essay Contest

The American History Essay Contest was established to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation's great history and learn about history in a new light.

This contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registered home-study programs. Students in grades five through eight are encouraged to participate. Each year, a selected topic for use during the academic year is announced, and contest instructions are published online and sent to schools by participating DAR chapters. Essays are judged for historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.

Participating chapters send one winning essay from each of the four grades for judging on the state level. The state will send one winning essay from each of the four grades to be judged on a divisional level. The winning essay from each of the four grades will then be judged on the national level and the winners are announced.

Each student participant receives a certificate of participation from the chapter and the chapter winners receive bronze medals and certificates. State winners receive certificates and silver medals. National winners receive special certificates, medals, and a monetary award.

Click here for an informational PDF handout . For additional contest information or guidelines, please contact your local DAR chapter .

Patriots of the American Revolution High School Essay Contest

In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the DAR has launched the "Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest.” This contest will focus on the men and women who figured in the events of the American Revolution (1773 – 1783), and it is hoped that students will find Patriots to write about who will interest and inspire them.

These Patriots may be one of our famous Founders, or an everyday man, woman, or child who supported the American Revolution in ways both large and small.  Students will be asked to discuss how their chosen Patriot contributed to the founding of the nation. Essays will be judged for historical accuracy, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and the quality and scope of references, particularly the use of primary sources.

This contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registered home-study programs, in grades 9 through 12. Essays from students from all grades will be judged together, with one winning essay chosen at each level. Participating DAR Chapters will select one essay as the chapter winner, to be sent on to the State level; the State will select one essay winner to represent the state for judging at the Division level, and each Division level will also have one winner which will be sent on to the National contest. Each student participant receives a certificate of participation from the chapter and the chapter winners receive a bronze medal and certificate set. State winners receive a silver medal and certificate set. Division level winners receive certificates and a book. National winners receive special certificates, medals, and a monetary award.

The National Society will select first-, second- and third-place winners. The national winner will receive a National Winner Certificate, pin and monetary award, presented at NSDAR’s annual Continental Congress, and the winning essay may appear in official DAR communications. National second- and third-place winners will also receive a certificate and monetary award.

This essay contest is being launched to engage students during the 250 th anniversary of the American Revolution, and is designed to encourage students to think more about the many different people, known and unknown, who were a part of the American Revolution, and perhaps even see themselves in the figures they write about.

For additional contest information or guidelines, please contact your  local DAR chapter .

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DAR members selflessly dedicated themselves to the war relief effort of World War I

World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international competition open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs. Membership in the World History Association is not a requirement for submission. Past winners may not compete in the same category again.

The World History Association established this $500 prize to recognize young scholars. A one-year membership in the WHA will also be included with each prize.

Each competitor will submit an essay that addresses the issue: In what way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which I live?

The committee will judge papers according to the following criteria:

• clear thesis;
• elaboration on the thesis with specific, concrete, personal example(s);
• evidence of critical-thinking, such as synthesis and evaluation, when reflecting on the essay question;
• organization and fluency; and
• overall effectiveness of the student’s ability to communicate his or her personal connection with the study of world history—in other words, how well has the student described the experience of being changed by a better understanding of world history?

To view some of our past winning essays, please click on the links below.

2019 Paper Prize Winner

2018 Paper Prize Winner

2017 Paper Prize Winner

Submission Guidelines

Length & format.

Length:  Submissions for the K–12 World Historian Award should be approximately 1,000 words.

Formatting:  Number all pages except for the title page. All pages are to be double-spaced. Use 12-point Times New Roman Font. Margins are to be 1 inch left and right, and top and bottom.

Submissions must be composed in Microsoft Word.

The author’s identity is to appear nowhere on the paper.

A separate, unattached page should accompany the paper, identifying the author, title of paper, home address, telephone number, e-mail address, and name of school.

Papers that do not adhere to these guidelines will be disqualified.

Entries must be emailed or postmarked by the annual deadline of 1 May.

Winning papers will be announced during the summer.

The WHA reserves the right to publish in the  World History Bulletin  any essay (or portion thereof) submitted to the competition. It will do so solely at its discretion, but full acknowledgment of authorship will be given. If someone’s essay is published in whole or in part, the author will receive three (3) copies of the  Bulletin.

E-mail submission

Send the following materials as separate attachments (formatted in MS Word) in the same e-mail, with the subject line World Historian Student Essay :

• the paper, and
• a page with identifying information (author, title of paper, home address, telephone number, e-mail address, and name of school).

E-mail to: Susan Smith <[email protected]> .

Postal submission

Send five copies of the paper and five copies of the page with identifying information. In the lower left hand corner on the front of the envelope write:  World Historian Student Essay.

Susan Smith Maple Grove Senior High 9800 Fernbrook Lane N. Maple Grove, MN 55369-9747

World Historian Student Essay Competition Committee:

• Susan Smith, chair
• Paul Richgruber

Past Winners

• Amanda Zhao, Pacific Ridge School (Carlsbad, CA) “History: An Ode to the Bricks of Progress”
• Akram Elkouraichi, Yonkers Middle High School (Yonkers, NY) “The Realization of Impermanence: Ephemerality in World History as a Conceptual Framework”
• Steven Chen, Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School (Vancouver, BC, Canada) “A Human Story: World History as an Optimist”
• Juliana Boerema, Cary Christian School (Cary, North Carolina) “Brilliant Painting: How the Study of World History Changes Perspective”
• Ahmad Aamir, Lahore Grammar School (Lahore, Pakistan) “Learning from History: Cooperation, Belief, Scholarship, & Words”
• Vivian Liu, International School of Beijing (Beijing, China) “History: Bread of the World”
• Vanessa Yan, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School (Bradenton, Florida) “World History: The Great Macroscope”
• Rachel Hughes, Webber Academy (Calgary, Canada), “Fostering a Universal Understanding of World History is the Key to a Brighter Tomorrow”
• Campbell Munson, The Episcopal School of Dallas, “How History Has Affected My Worldview: Economies, Migration, Causality and Disease”
• Jacob Cooper, North Oconee High School (Bogart, Georgia), “World History: The Basis for Self-Determination, Democracy, and Religion“
• Luke J. Hamilton, Sword Academy (Bridgeport, Nebraska), “The Present: Living History”
• David Kim, Wydown Middle School ( St. Louis), “History: The Shadow of the World”
• Elizabeth Mello, Dartmouth High School (Dartmouth, Massachusetts), “Out of Many Threads, One Cloth”

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The World History Association bestows a number of awards, prizes, and scholarships to world history students, teachers, and researchers.

PIONEERS IN WORLD HISTORY AWARD

The annual Pioneers in World History Award , presented at the annual  WHA conference, recognizes scholars’ exceptional contributions toward advancing the field of world history. The deadline for nominations is 1 April of each year.

PRIZE COMPETITIONS

World history association jerry h. bentley book prize.

The WHA Jerry H. Bentley Book Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of world history. The deadline for submissions is 1 February of each year.

World History Association Dissertation Prize

The WHA Dissertation Prize is presented for the year’s best doctoral dissertation in world, global, or transnational history. The deadline for submissions is 1 October of each year.

World History Association / Phi Alpha Theta Undergraduate & Graduate Student Paper Prize

The WHA/ΦΑΘ Student Paper Prizes are awarded for the best undergraduate and best graduate-level world history papers composed in the academic year. The deadline for submissions has been extended through May 15, 2023.

World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition open to K–12  students. The deadline for submissions is 1 May of each year.

Bloomsbury-WHA Monograph Prize

The Diversity in History Monograph Prize improves publishing opportunities for early career scholars in World History.  The deadline is September 1 of each year. Follow this link for more information: WHA-Bloomsbury Monograph Prize.

World History Connected (WHC) Book Prize

The World History Connected (WHC) Book Prize recognizes publications of outstanding value to both research and teaching in the field of world history. This prize is funded through the generosity of Professor Emeritus and former WHA President Marc Jason Gilbert. The submission deadline is April 1 of each year. Follow this link for more information on the WHC Book Prize: WHC Book Prize .

SCHOLARSHIPS

The  WHA  offers  a number of scholarships  to attend the annual conference each year, including the  WHA  World Scholar Travel Fund (for scholars outside of North America) and the William H. McNeill Teacher Scholarship (for  K–12  and community college teachers) and conference fee waivers (for students).

WHA Bentley Book Prize

The World History Association Book Prize was created in 1999 to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of world history.

Congratulations to the inaugural WHA/Bloomsbury Book Prize award winner Dr. Corina Gonzalez-Stout of Northwest Vista College (San Antonio, TX) for her monograph Prostitution & Carnal Vigilance in Cape Town.

WHA Dissertation Prize

The World History Association awards the annual WHA Dissertation Prize for the best doctoral dissertation in world, global, or transnational history.

WHA Undergraduate & Graduate Student Paper Prizes

The World History Association and Phi Alpha Theta jointly sponsor two student paper prizes in world history

Congratulations to Sharon Besong of Jewels International School of Kinshasa, the winner of the 2024 World Historian Student Essay Competition for her essay, "World History: The Machine that Produces Our Future."

Pioneers in World History Award

The Pioneers in World History Award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of individuals to world history studies that have advanced the field in a significant way.

World History Connected Book Prize

The World History Connected (WHC) Book Prize recognizes publications of outstanding value to both research and teaching in the field of world history.

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Julia Wood History Essay Competition

Home → Study Here → Outreach → Essay Competitions → Julia Wood History Essay Competition

The Julia Wood prize is an annual History essay competition named in memory of a St Hugh’s College historian.

The Principal and Fellows of St Hugh’s College, Oxford offer a prize, worth up to £500, for the best historical essay submitted by a pupil who, at the closing date, has been in the Sixth Form of any school or college for a period of not more than two years.

The choice of historical subject is left to candidates. As the below examples suggest, essays which fare well in the competition tend to be specially researched and written for it.

Entries should be 2000 – 4000 words in length, including any material in the footnotes which is additional commentary or content related to your essay. References or citations in footnotes, and your bibliography, are not included in this word count. You are welcome to use whichever style of referencing you prefer. Essays must be submitted in PDF format.

The 2024 competition is now closed. Details of this year’s winning essays can be found to the right of this page.

Details of the 2025 competition will be published in late January/early February 2025.

Please direct any enquiries to [email protected]

2024 Julia Wood Prize Winners

This year, the number of entries to the Julia Wood Prize was 402. The prizes were awarded as follows:

Anna Batstone – Magdalen College School, Oxford (Year 12)

Treasure Trove or Fool’s Gold: To What Extent Can Literature Be Used as a Historical Source?

Alexandra Kochman – Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe (Year 12)

The Odyssey: How did Polish refugees keep the idea of Poland alive during the Second World War?

Thomas Rowlands – St Leonard’s School, St Andrews (Year 12)

To what extent were the methods used to foster an East German national identity different under the regimes of Ulbricht and Honecker?

Dermot Christmas – St Paul’s School, London (Year 12)

The Pagan Period in Burma: to what extent did it influence Burmese resistance to the British Empire?

Mary-Ellen Dyson – St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, London (Year 12)

To what extent was Henrietta Maria typical of a medieval woman?

The winners, runners up and a number of others who were highly commended were invited to a celebratory tea in College in September.

St Hugh’s College

Founded in 1886, St Hugh’s is now one of the largest colleges in Oxford. The College was established to offer an Oxford education to women, and it retains a strong sense of its radical tradition and of the importance of opening Oxford up to all who would do well here. St Hugh’s now accepts men and women, and welcomes students from every country and any kind of background.

St Hugh’s has a beautiful setting just to the north of the city centre, with Edwardian buildings and some of the largest college grounds. The College is known as the ‘island site’ because of its tranquil gardens, and it is a restful place to live and work.

St Hugh’s College admits about 11 undergraduates a year to read single Honours History; and a further two or three (in varying combinations) for the Joint Honours Schools of Ancient and Modern History, History and English, History and Modern Languages, and History and Politics.

What we are looking for is the ability to think imaginatively, a willingness to argue, a real interest in ideas, and a commitment to the subject. We have no preference for particular subjects at A-level, International Baccalaureate or other post-16 qualifications. Most candidates will usually have been studying History, but even this is not essential. However, languages (both modern and classical), English Literature, and Economics have, in their different ways, proved useful preparations for the course. We welcome both pre- and post- qualification applications; and we generally admit a few people each year from Scotland, Ireland, and further afield.

St Hugh’s provides excellent facilities for studying History: the library has unusually large and up-to-date holdings in all periods, and there is an active, sometimes rumbustious History Society. We encourage our undergraduates to travel in vacations. In recent years many of our historians have gone on to undertake research in History and related fields; others have got jobs in journalism, television, law, teaching, the Foreign Office, the UN, the City, Brussels, management and management consultancy, publishing, etc. The world has proved to be their oyster, with historical training at St Hugh’s providing them with the essential bit of grit.

More information about studying History at St Hugh’s College is available on our course and admissions pages .

Since the establishment of the Julia Wood History Essay Competition in 1994, 81 school students have been given prizes; many of these people went on to study History at Oxford and St Hugh’s. The names of the winners and their essay titles can be seen below.

Who was Julia Wood?

Julia Wood was an alumna of St Hugh’s College. She was born on 19th December 1938 and studied History and was an Exhibitioner at the College between 1957 and 1960. Tragically, she died in an accident whilst in Australia in 1970. The fund for the Julia Wood Prize was established by the parents and friends of Julia Wood in May 1971.

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World Historian Student Essay Competition - 8 Reasons Why You Should Participate

The World History Association holds an annual World History Student Essay Competition designed for any and all students of any age and educational background to participate. This prestigious and internationally known organization will offer a monetary and scholarship prize for the winner of the competition.

Participating in nationally acclaimed essay competitions can significantly benefit high school students applying to universities. These competitions foster essential skills like research, critical thinking, and creativity, making applicants more academically prepared. Winning or being recognized as a finalist adds credibility to their portfolios, showcasing their dedication and expertise. All of which could set students apart and strengthen their university applications.

Continue reading to find out more information about the World History Association, the World History Student Essay Competition, and why you should consider participating!

What is the World History Association?

The World History Association (WHA) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the field of world history. Founded in the early 1980s, the WHA brings together historians, educators, scholars, and enthusiasts interested in the study and promotion of global and world history.

The WHA hosts annual conferences, publishes the Journal of World History, and provides a platform for networking and sharing ideas among its members. Over the years, the WHA has played a significant role in shaping the development of world history education in the United States and beyond, advocating for cross-cultural and comparative approaches to history.

What is the World History Student Essay Competition?

The World History Student Essay Competition is one of the many prize competitions hosted by the World History Association. The WHA has a mission to promote an appreciation of world history, especially in young students, through research, publications, and teaching. They have already given over $30,000 to many different scholars through their prize competitions and scholarships . The Student Essay Competition is an international competition open to all students, including high school students . Keep reading for more details about this essay competition.

Is the competition prestigious?

Participating in the World History Student Essay Competition, hosted by the well-known and highly accredited World History Association (WHA), can significantly boost high school students' college applications and admissions prospects. Many students from across the USA submit their essays to this prestigious competition which encourages students to conduct extensive research, fostering a deeper understanding of global events and cultures while enhancing critical thinking and writing skills, valuable for university studies.

The inclusivity of the competition, open to students from diverse educational backgrounds, ensures broad participation. Additionally, it is financially accessible, with no application fees. Winners receive a substantial $500 prize, a one-year membership in WHA, and the opportunity to have their work published in the prestigious World History Bulletin. Such recognition from an internationally recognized organization can greatly strengthen university applications, making participation in this competition a rewarding and impactful experience for students on their educational journey.

What is the essay prompt?

Every year, participating students are asked to write an essay addressing the same prompt: in what way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which I live? As you write, think, “How does this relate to me?”. Personal and ancestral stories are encouraged to support your views of the importance of world history . Such stories could include a family story regarding a historical event, your family's cultural background, or specific regional knowledge that relates to a world-historical event. Take a look at past winners ( 2023 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 ) to get an idea of how to engage with the prompt and add your own experience of being changed by a better understanding of world history.

Things to keep in mind:

Finalist essays will be checked against AI internet components and if stock answers are found the essay will be disqualified.

Papers that do not adhere to the submission guidelines and paper format will be disqualified.

You can check out detailed submission guidelines here !

Who is eligible to enter the World Historian Essay Competition?

This competition is open to high school students from any educational background: public, private, and parochial schools, as well as homeschooled students, are eligible to participate.

How will the essays be judged?

The WHA will have a committee to read and judge the papers. Your paper will be read by multiple readers. Here is a list of things they will be looking for as they read your paper:

A clear thesis . What is your paper about? How are you answering the question, “What way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which I live?”?

How the author elaborated upon their thesis . What specific or concrete examples are used?

There needs to be evidence of critical thinking . This can include synthesis and evaluation of the prompt and your thesis statement.

Organization and fluency of your thoughts throughout the essay.

Overall effectiveness to engage with the prompt . Did you answer the question fully? Did you include personal or familial stories connecting you to the prompt?

What are some important dates and deadlines?

All essay entries must be emailed or postmarked by the May 1st deadline to be considered for the competition. Winning papers will be announced online over the summer.

What are the costs of applying and prizes for participating?

There are no costs to submit your essay to the competition. If your essay is chosen as the winner you will receive $500 from the WHA. In addition, the winner will receive a one-year membership in the World History Association. The WHA reserves the right to publish your essay, or any portion of it, in the World History Bulletin (even if you are not the winner), but will fully acknowledge the author of the essay. If your essay (or a part of the essay) is published you will receive three copies of the World History Bulletin for free.

8 reasons why you should participate

Participating in the World History Student Essay Competition hosted by the World History Association (WHA) can be a rewarding experience for high school students. Here are eight compelling reasons why you should consider taking part in this essay competition:

1. It allows you to conduct research across various historical topics

Engaging in this competition will allow you to delve into the study of world history, fostering a deeper understanding of global events, cultures, and perspectives. It encourages your young mind to think beyond your local context and appreciate the interconnectedness of our world.

2. It promotes personal connection to historical events

The essay prompt encourages you to reflect on your personal and ancestral stories, emphasizing how your own life has been shaped by world history. This provides an opportunity for self-discovery and reflection, making history more relatable and relevant. Not to mention writing about yourself in this way is great practice for the personal statements needed in college applications. Administration committees prefer students who can write about themselves, where they came from, and where they hope to go, over stiff and impersonal recounts of your academic successes.

3. Participation is open to everyone

The competition is open to students from kindergarten to senior year of high school, spanning a wide range of educational backgrounds, including public, private, and home-study programs. This inclusivity ensures that students from various educational settings can participate and share their perspectives.

4. Writing in this capacity is an academic challenge

Writing an approximately 1,000-word essay with a clear thesis statement will challenge your research, analytical, and writing skills. The competition offers you a chance to enhance your academic abilities and critical thinking skills preparing you for future educational pursuits. Additionally, learning to write about a broad topic in such few words is great practice for the type of writing required within university-level academics.

5. It is financially accessible

Unlike many competitions that charge application fees, the WHA's Student Essay Competition is free to enter, making it accessible to all interested students. This eliminates financial barriers and encourages broader participation.

6. You stand a chance to win hefty cash prizes

The author of the winning essay will receive a $500 prize, along with a one-year membership in the prestigious World History Association. This monetary reward can support future educational endeavors. Winning a competition like this will also look great on college applications.

7. Your essay can be published in the World History Bulletin

The WHA reserves the right to publish winning essays or parts of them in the World History Bulletin, providing you, a young writer, with a platform to showcase your work to a wider audience. This exposure can be a valuable addition to your academic portfolio for university applications as the WHA is a prestigious internationally known organization. Winning or being recognized as a finalist adds credibility to your portfolio, which could set you apart and strengthen your university applications.

In conclusion, the World History Student Essay Competition offers students of any grade and age a unique opportunity to explore the world's rich history, connect it to their personal experiences, and develop their academic and writing abilities. With no application fees, potential scholarships, and the chance to be published, it's an experience that can have a lasting impact on a student's educational journey.

If you’d like to supplement your competitive experience with independent research, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs ! 

This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. 

You can find the application link here

If you are passionate about history and want to do advanced research, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Samantha Davenport is a socio-cultural anthropologist with experience in qualitative and ethnographic research. With a deep passion for understanding diverse cultures and societies, she has dedicated her career to conducting extensive field research and analysis amongst a variety of research projects. Samantha is driven by a desire to promote cultural understanding and bridge gaps between different groups.

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The 17 Best Writing Contests for High School Students

Other High School

If you're a writer—fiction, non-fiction, or fanfiction—you can put those skills to work for you. There are tons of writing contests for high school students, which can award everything from medals to cash prizes to scholarships if you win .

Not only will a little extra money, whether cash or scholarships, help you when it comes time to pay for college, but the prestige of a respected reward is also a great thing to include on your college application.

Read on to learn more about what writing contests for high school students there are, how to apply, and what you could win !

Writing Contests With Multiple Categories

Some high school contests accept entries in a variety of formats, including the standard fiction and non-fiction, but also things like screenwriting or visual art. Check out these contests with multiple categories:

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

• Award Amount: $1,000 to $12,500 scholarships
• Deadline: Varies between December and January, depending on your region
• Fee: $10 for single entry, $30 for portfolio

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards celebrate art by students in grades seven through twelve (age 13 or older) on a regional and national scale. These awards have a huge number of categories and styles, including cash prizes or scholarships for some distinguished award winners . Categories include science-fiction and fantasy writing, humor, critical essays, and dramatic scripts, among others.

Deadlines vary by region (but are mostly in December and January), so use Scholastic's Affiliate Partner search to find out when projects are due for your area.

Scholastic partners with other organizations to provide prizes to winners, so what you can win depends on what you enter and what competition level you reach. Gold medal portfolio winners can earn a $12,500 scholarship, and silver medal winners with distinction can earn a $2,000 scholarship , as well as many other options in different categories.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are open to private, public, or home-schooled students attending school in the US, Canada, or American schools in other countries. Students must be in grades seven through twelve to participate. Eligibility varies between regions, so consult Scholastic's Affiliate Partner search tool to figure out what applies to you .

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have a $10 entry fee for individual submissions and $30 for portfolio submissions, which may be waived for students in need . These fees may vary depending on location, so be sure to check your local guidelines .

Ocean Awareness Contest

• Award Amount: Scholarships up to $1,500
• Deadline: June 13, 2023 (submissions open in September)

The Ocean Awareness Contest asks students to consider the future of a coastal or marine species that is under threat from climate change. Submissions are accepted in a variety of art forms, but all must consider the way that climate change impacts ocean life .

Submissions for all categories, including art, creative writing, film, interactive and multimedia, music and dance, and poetry and spoken word are due in June, although the exact date varies slightly each year.

Winners may receive prizes of up to a $1,500 scholarship , depending on which division they fall into and what prize they win.

The contest is open to all international and US students between the ages of 11 and 18.

River of Words

• Award: Publication in the River of Words anthology
• Deadline: January 31, 2023

The River of Words contest asks students to consider watersheds—an area that drains into the same body of water—and how they connect with their local community. Students can explore this concept in art or poetry, with winners being published in the annual River of Words anthology .

Entries in all categories must be submitted by January 31, 2023. 

The River of Words contest is primarily for recognition and publication, as the website doesn't list any prize money . The contest includes specific awards for certain forms, such as poetry, some of which may have additional prizes .

The contest is open to International and US students from kindergarten to grade 12 (ages 5 through 19). Students who have graduated from high school but are not yet in college are also eligible.

Adroit Prizes

• Award Amount: $200 cash award
• Deadline: Typically April of each year

Sponsored by the Adroit Journal, the Adroit Prizes reward high school students and undergraduate students for producing exemplary fiction and poetry. Students may submit up to six poems or three works of prose (totaling 3,500 words) for consideration. Submissions typically open in spring .

Winners receive $200 and (along with runners-up) have their works published in the Adroit Journal . Finalists and runners-up receive a copy of their judge's latest published work.

The contest is open to secondary and undergraduate students, including international students and those who have graduated early . The Adroit Prizes has a non-refundable fee of $15, which can be waived.

YoungArts Competition

• Award Amount: Up to $10,000 cash awards
• Deadline: October 15, 2022; application for 2024 opens June 2023

Open to students in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, the YoungArts competition asks students to submit a portfolio of work. Additional requirements may apply depending on what artistic discipline you're in .

Winners can receive up to $10,000 in cash as well as professional development help, mentorship, and other educational rewards.

Applicants must be 15- to 18-year-old US citizens or permanent residents (including green card holders) or in grades 10 through 12 at the time of submission . There is a $35 submission fee, which can be waived.

Fiction Writing Contests for High School Students

Many contests with multiple categories accept fiction submissions, so also check out the above contests if you're looking for places to submit original prose.

EngineerGirl Writing Contest

• Award Amount: $100 - $500 cash prize
• Deadline: February 1, 2023

This year's EngineerGirl Writing Contest asks students (though the name of the organization is "EngineerGirl," students of any gender may participate) to submit a piece of writing that shows how female and/or non-white engineers have contributed to or can enhance engineering’s great achievements. Word counts vary depending on grade level.

At every grade level, first-place winners will receive $500, second-place winners will receive $250, and third-place winners will receive $100 . Winning entries and honorable mentions will also be published on the EngineerGirl website.

Students of any gender from third to 12th grade may submit to this contest. Home-schooled and international students are also eligible.

Nonfiction Contests for High School Students

Like fiction, non-fiction is often also accepted in contests with multiple categories. However, there are quite a few contests accepting only non-fiction essays as well.

The American Foreign Services Association Essay Contest

• Award Amount: $1,250 to $2,500
• Deadline: April 3, 2023

The American Foreign Services Association sponsors a high school essay contest tasking students with selecting a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years .

One winner will receive $2,500 as well as a Washington D.C. trip and a scholarship to attend Semester at Sea . One runner-up receives $1,250 and a scholarship to attend the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference.

Entries must be from US students in grade nine through 12, including students in the District of Columbia, US territories, or US citizens attending school abroad, including home-schooled students.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest

• Award Amount: $100 - $10,000
• Deadline: January 13, 2023

The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage contest tasks students with writing an essay between 700 and 1,000 words on an act of political courage by a US elected official serving during or after 1917 , inspired by John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage . Each essay should cover the act itself as well as any obstacles or risks the subject faced in achieving their act of courage. Essays must not cover figures previously covered in the contest, and should also not cover John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, or Edward M. Kennedy.

One first-place winner will receive $10,000, one second-place winner will receive $3,000, five finalists will receive $1,000 each, and eight semi-finalists will win $100 each.

The contest is open to students in grades nine through 12 who are residents of the United States attending public, private, parochial, or home schools . Students under the age of 20 in correspondence high school programs or GED programs, as well as students in US territories, Washington D.C., and students studying abroad, are also eligible.

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

• Award Amount: $300 - $1,000 scholarships
• Deadline: February 19, 2023 (submissions open in November)

The SPJ/JEA high school essay contest , organized by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association, asks students to  analyze the importance of independent media to our lives (as of now, the official essay topic for spring 2023 is TBD) . Essays should be from 300 to 500 words.

A $1,000 scholarship is given to a first-place winner, $500 to second-place, and $300 to third-place.

The contest is open to public, private, and home-schooled students of the United States in grades 9-12 .

Playwriting Contests for High School Students

For those who love the stage, playwriting contests are a great option. An original play can earn you great rewards thanks to any of these contests!

VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition

• Award: Participation in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center
• Deadline: January 4, 2023 (Application opens in October)

The VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition asks students with disabilities to submit a ten-minute script exploring their personal experiences, including the disability experience . Scripts may be realistic, fictional, or abstract, and may include plays, screenplays, or musical theater.

All entries are due in January. Scripts may be collaborative or written by individuals, but must include at least one person with a disability as part of the group .

One winner or group of winners will be selected as participants in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Winners will have access to professional assistance in developing their script as well as workshops and networking opportunities.

This contest is open to US and international students in ages 14 to 18 . Groups of up to five members may collaborate on an essay, but at least one of those students must have a disability.

Worldwide Plays Festival Competition

• Award: Professional production in New York
• Deadline: March (official 2023 deadline TBD)

In the Worldwide Plays Festival Competition , students from around the world can submit an eight-minute script for a play set in a part of a neighborhood —specifically, at a convenience store, outside a character's front door, or at a place where people convene. Each play must have roles for three actors, should not have a narrator who isn't also a character, and should not contain set changes.

Entries are due in February. Winners will have their play produced by professionals at an off-Broadway New York theater . Scholarships are also available for winners.

Any student, including US and international, in first through 12th grade may submit work for consideration.

• Award Amount: $50 - $200 cash prize
• Deadline: 2023 deadline TBD (application opens January 2023)

Students may submit a one-act, non-musical play of at least ten pages to YouthPLAYS for consideration . Plays should be appropriate for high school audiences and contain at least two characters, with one or more of those characters being youths in age-appropriate roles. Large casts with multiple female roles are encouraged.

One winner will receive $250, have their play published by YouthPLAYS, and receive a copy of Great Dialog , a program for writing dialog. One runner up will receive $100 and a copy of Great Dialog.

Students must be under the age of 19, and plays must be the work of a single author.

The Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest

• Deadline: Spring of each year

Students in grade 11 may submit a ten-minute play for consideration for the Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest . Plays should be 10 pages long, equivalent to 10 minutes.

One first-prize winner will receive $500, one second-prize winner will receive $250, and one third-prize will receive $100.

All entries must be from students in the 11th grade .

Poetry Writing Contests for High School Students

For those who prefer a little free verse or the constraints of a haiku, there are plenty of poetry-specific contests, too.

Creative Communications Poetry Contest

• Award Amount: $25
• Deadline: December

Students in ninth grade or below may submit any poem of 21 lines or less (not counting spaces between stanzas) for consideration in the Creative Communications Poetry Contest .

Students may win $25, a free book, and school supplies for their teacher .

Public, private, or home-schooled US students (including those in detention centers) in kindergarten through ninth grade may enter.

Leonard L. Milberg '53 High School Poetry Prize

• Award Amount: $500-$1500
• Deadline: November 

Students in 11th grade may submit up to three poems for consideration in the Leonard L. Milberg '53 High School Poetry Prize . Submissions are due in November .

One first-prize winner will receive $1500, one second-prize winner will receive $750, and a third-prize winner will receive $500. Poems may be published on arts.princeton.edu. All entrants must be in the 11th grade.

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

• Award Amount: $500 - $5,000 renewable scholarship, $350 cash prize
• Deadline: October 31, 2022

Women poets who are sophomores or juniors in high school may submit two poems for consideration for the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest .

One first-place winner will receive a $350 cash prize, publication in and ten copies of Cargoes , Hollins' student magazine, as well as a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 for Hollins and free tuition and housing for the Hollinsummer creative writing program. One second-place winner will receive publication in and two copies of Cargoes, a renewable scholarship to Hollins of up to $1,000, and a $500 scholarship to attend Hollinsummer.

Applicants must be female students in their sophomore or junior year of high school .

What's Next?

If you're looking for more money opportunities for college , there are plenty of scholarships out there— including some pretty weird ones .

For those who've been buffing up their test scores , there are tons of scholarships , some in the thousands of dollars.

If you're tired of writing essays and applying for scholarships, consider some of these colleges that offer complete financial aid packages .

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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Humanities and History Competitions for Students

KudosWall Education

History is such an important subject of study, and for those students with a passion for the past, take a look at these competitive opportunities.

Davidson Institute : The Davidson Institute’s Young Scholars Program is a culmination of services designed to “nurture the intellectual, social, emotional, and academic development of profoundly intelligent young people between the ages of 5 and 18.”

For information on eligibility and application requirements for the Young Scholars Program, click here.

For information on the Davidson Institute’s Fellows Scholarship, click here .

The Emerson Prize : Every year, the Concord Review gives this award to high school students who show exemplary study in history.

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Youth Contests and Awards : The SAR holds various contests (below) for young Americans every year in many different fields of study. The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest , for example, is a great opportunity for students in grades nine through twelve to show their interest in the American Revolution.

For younger competitors, the Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest is open for students in grades three through five.

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Visit the Hershey Story Museum in Hershey, PA

The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Accessibility Information
• Directions & Parking
• Tour High Point Mansion
• Guest Feedback Survey

CURRENT SPECIAL EXHIBIT

Museum exhibits, events & programs, info & hours, students & teachers, looking for something.

Our History in Your Words

The Purpose of The Hershey Story History Contest for Young Writers

The Hershey Story offers this writing contest as a way to encourage students to communicate their interest in and knowledge of history in a creative and coherent manner. Awards are presented in support and acknowledgement of students’ efforts and for public recognition of their success.

View the Winning Entries from the 2023-2024 History Contest for Young Writers Here

Entry information.

Entries must be submitted here beginning November 1, 2024.

Contest Opening Date and Deadline

Students may submit History Contest entries beginning November 1, 2024.  The deadline for submission of entries to the 2024-2025 contest is February 15, 2025.

Eligibility

Any Pennsylvania student enrolled in public, private or homeschool, grades 5 through 8, in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry or York County is eligible to submit one entry to the contest.

Entries must be the work of one individual student and a student may submit only one entry .

Each entry must be the original work of the contest entrant, but may also have been submitted as an assigned school project as long as it fulfills the requirements below.

Age Division

• Grades 5 and 6, Junior
• Grades 7 and 8, Senior

We suggest that entrants use the MLA format. For guidance, consult a website such as www.easybib.com (Please note that not all bibliography formatting may be preserved during the online submission process.)

Students may submit an entry in one of the following categories:

• Non-fiction: An essay about a historical event, era or person(s). The entry must include an explanation of the student’s personal interest in the chosen topic. For example, the student may include examples of personal experiences that influenced the choice of topic, or books, classroom activities, or travel experiences that sparked the student’s interest.
• Fiction: A piece of creative writing, such as a fictional diary or story, about a historical event, era or person(s).
• Poetry: A poem about a historical event, era or person(s).
• Science/Health: A non-fiction essay about a historical science or historical health-related event, era or person(s). The entry must include an explanation of the student’s personal interest in the chosen topic. For example, the student may include examples of personal experiences that influenced the choice of topic, or books, classroom activities, or travel experiences that sparked the student’s interest.

Essay entries must be at least 400 words but no more than 1000 words. Poems must be at least 35 lines but no more than 100 lines.

Please indicate paragraphs by either indenting the first line or adding an extra line between paragraphs. The form will allow the use of bold and italics . The entry form will strip any special characters or fonts that are used when the entry is submitted online.

Student & School Information

To complete the entry form, the following information is required. Please assemble required information before beginning the entry process.

• Title of Entry
• Category (Non-fiction, Fiction, Poetry, Science/Health)
• Name of Contest Entrant
• Home Address
• Parent’s Email
• Home Phone Number
• Teacher’s Name
• Teacher’s Email

Bibliography

A bibliography must be included with each entry (including poetry). The bibliography is not included in the word count. A least two (2) of the following types of sources must be cited:

• Magazine/Journal article
• Interview (oral or video)
• Internet (please include complete URL)

Students must use at least one source that is not from the Internet.

Entries will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Evidence of an understanding of the historical context surrounding the event, era, or person(s) discussed in the entry
• Historical accuracy
• Clarity and coherence
• Creativity and imagination in the choice of subject and presentation.
• Grammar, spelling and compositional structure

Judging Committee

The judging panel includes historians, educators and other community leaders who are not employed by The Hershey Story. The decisions of the judges are final.

Eight (8) first place and eight (8) second place awards will be given in the following categories:

• Grades 5/6: Non-Fiction
• Grades 5/6 Fiction
• Grades 5/6 Poetry
• Grades 5/6 Science/Health
• Grades 7/8: Non-Fiction
• Grades 7/8: Fiction
• Grades 7/8: Poetry
• Grades 7/8: Science/Health

1 st place winners receive:

• 1 st place certificate
• One year family membership to The Hershey Story Museum
• Hershey’s Chocolate gift basket and 30 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars to share with winner’s class (donated by The Hershey Company)
• Two 1-day tickets to Hersheypark (donated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company)

2 nd place winners receive:

• 2 nd place certificate
• A 1 lb Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar (donated by The Hershey Company)

Winning students will be notified by mid-April.  All  honorable mention students will be notified in a timely fashion.  

Publication

By entering the contest, participants grant permission to The Hershey Story to publish winning entries and/or winners’ names and photographs for publicity purposes.

The Hershey Story – Background

The Hershey Story is a non-profit educational institution founded in 1933 by Milton S. Hershey. He believed in providing educational and cultural opportunities for Hershey residents and the Central Pennsylvania region. In keeping with Mr. Hershey’s philosophy, the museum is dedicated to helping people of all ages understand and enjoy many aspects of history.

For Further Information Contact Susan Hetrick, Supervisor of Education & Public Programs @ 717-520-5587 or email [email protected] .

Enter the History Contest for Young Writers here beginning November 1, 2024.

The Hershey Story is a non-profit educational institution founded in 1933 by Milton S. Hershey who believed in providing educational and cultural opportunities for the people of Hershey and the Central Pennsylvania region. In keeping with Mr. Hershey’s philosophy, The Hershey Story is dedicated to helping people of all ages understand and enjoy many aspects of history.

United States Institute of Peace

National high school essay contest.

USIP previously partnered with the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) on the annual National High School Essay Contest. The contest each year engaged high school students in learning and writing about issues of peace and conflict, encouraging appreciation for diplomacy’s role in building partnerships that can advance peacebuilding and protect national security. 

2023 National High School Essay Contest

The American Foreign Service Association’s national high school essay contest completed its twenty-third year with over 400 submissions from 44 states. Three randomized rounds of judging produced this year’s winner, Justin Ahn, a junior from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. In his essay, “Mending Bridges: U.S.-Vietnam Reconciliation from 1995 to Today,” Ahn focuses on the successful reconciliation efforts by the Foreign Service in transforming U.S.-Vietnam relations from post-war tension to close economic and strategic partnership.

Ahn will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with a member of the Department of State’s leadership and receive a full tuition scholarship to an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Niccolo Duina was this year’s runner-up. He is currently a junior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Duina will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer.

There were eight honorable mentions:

• Santiago Castro-Luna – Chevy Chase, Maryland
• Dante Chittenden – Grimes, Iowa 
• Merle Hezel – Denver, Colorado
• Adarsh Khullar – Villa Hills, Kentucky
• Nicholas Nall – Little Rock, Arkansas
• Ashwin Telang – West Windsor, New Jersey
• Himani Yarlagadda – Northville, Michigan 
• Sophia Zhang – San Jose, California

Congratulations! We thank all students and teachers who took the time to research and become globally engaged citizens who care about diplomacy, development and peacebuilding.

2023 National High School Essay Contest Topic

In 2024, the U.S. Foreign Service will celebrate its 100th birthday. The Foreign Service is an important element of the American approach to peacebuilding around the world. Over the last century, U.S. diplomats have been involved in some of the most significant events in history — making decisions on war and peace, responding to natural disasters and pandemics, facilitating major treaties, and more.

As AFSA looks back on their century-long history, we invite you to do the same. This year, students are asked to explore a topic that touches upon this important history and sheds light on how vital it is for America to have a robust professional corps focused on diplomacy, development and peace in the national interest.

In your essay, you will select a country or region in which the U.S. Foreign Service has been involved in at any point since 1924 and describe — in 1,500 words or less — how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals, including promoting peace, in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

Contest deadline: April 3, 2023

Download the study guide for the 2023 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes the essay question, prizes and rules for the contest; an introduction to diplomacy and peacebuilding; key terms; topics and areas students might explore; and a list of other useful resources.

Learn more about the contest rules and how to submit your essay on the American Foreign Service Association’s contest webpage .

2022 National High School Essay Contest

Katherine Lam, a freshman from University High School in Tucson, Arizona, is the 2022 National High School Essay Contest winner. In her essay, “Competition and Coaction in Ethiopia: U.S. and Chinese Partnerships for International Stabilization,” Lam focuses on how the Foreign Service has partnered with other U.S. government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and — most notably — China to promote peace and development in Ethiopia. Lam will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with a member of the U.S. Department of State’s leadership and gain full tuition for an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Olivia Paulsen was this year’s runner-up. She is a currently a junior receiving a home-schooled education in Concord, Massachusetts. Paulsen will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer.

The 2022 honorable mentions were: Josh Diaz (Little Rock, AR); Grace Hartman (Bethlehem, PA); Elena Higuchi (Irvine, CA); Ovea Kaushik (Oklahoma City, OK); Evan Lindemann (Palm Desert, CA); Percival Liu (Tokyo, Japan); Alexander Richter (San Jose, CA); and Gavin Sun (Woodbury, MN).

USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2022 National High School Essay Contest.

Partnerships for Peace in a Multipolar Era

The current multipolar era poses challenges for U.S. foreign policy but also provides new opportunities for partnership across world powers—including emerging great powers like China and Russia—to build peace in conflict-affected countries. Describe a current situation where American diplomats and peacebuilders are working with other world powers, as well as local and/or regional actors, in a conflict-affected country to champion democracy, promote human rights, and/or resolve violent conflict.    A successful essay will lay out the strategies and tactics U.S. Foreign Service Officers and American peacebuilders are employing to build successful partnerships with other world and regional powers and with local actors in the chosen current situation.  The essay will also describe specific ways that these partnerships are helping to promote stability and build peace.

Contest deadline: April 4, 2022

Download the study guide for the 2022 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes the essay question, prizes, and rules for the contest; an introduction to diplomacy and peacebuilding; key terms; topics and areas students might explore; and a list of other useful resources.

Learn more about the contest rules and how to submit your essay on the American Foreign Service Association’s contest webpage.  

2021 National High School Essay Contest

Mariam Parray, a sophomore from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, is the 2021 National High School Essay Contest winner. In her essay, “Diplomats and Peacebuilders in Tunisia: Paving the Path to Democracy,” Ms. Parray focuses on how the Foreign Service partnered with other U.S. government agencies and NGOs to effect a peaceful democratic transition in Tunisia. She emphasizes the importance of multifaceted approaches as well as the importance of bringing marginalized groups into the fold. Mariam will travel to Washington to meet with a member of the Department of State’s leadership and will also gain a full tuition to an educational voyage with Semester at Sea. Harrison McCarty was this year’s runner-up. Coincidentally, he is also a sophomore from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Harrison will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer. The 2021 honorable mentions were: Louisa Eaton (Wellesley, MA); Samuel Goldston (Brooklyn, NY); Lucy King (Bainbridge Island, WA); Haan Jun Lee (Jakarta, Indonesia); Khaled Maalouf (Beirut, Lebanon); Madeleine Shaw (Bloomington, IN); Allison Srp (Austin, MN); and Daniel Zhang (Cortland, NY).

USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2021 National High School Essay Contest. 

Diplomats and Peacebuilders: Powerful Partners

What characteristics lead to a successful effort by diplomats and peacebuilders to mediate or prevent violent conflict? The United States Foreign Service—often referred to as America’s first line of defense—works to prevent conflict from breaking out abroad and threats from coming to our shores. Peacebuilders work on the ground to create the conditions for peace and resolve conflicts where they are most needed. 

Successful essays will identify, in no more than 1,250 words, a situation where diplomats worked on a peacebuilding initiative with partners from the country/region in question, nongovernmental organizations, and other parts of the U.S. government, and then go on to analyze what characteristics and approaches made the enterprise a success.  

Contest deadline: April 5, 2021

Download the study guide for the 2021 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes key terms in conflict management and peacebuilding and examples of peacebuilding initiatives, with reflection questions for independent learners to dig more deeply or for teachers to encourage class reflection and discussion. We hope this study guide will be a useful resource for educators and students participating in this contest, and for educators who want their students to learn more about this year’s contest topic.

2020 National High School Essay Contest

Jonas Lorincz, a junior from Marriotts Ridge High School in Marriottsville, MD, is the 2020 National High School Essay Contest winner. In his essay, “Verification, Mediation, and Peacebuilding: The Many Roles of the U.S. Foreign Service in Kosovo,” Mr. Lorincz focused on the importance of interagency cooperation in mediating the crisis in Kosovo – primarily looking into how diplomats and other civilian agencies engaged in peacebuilding throughout the conflict.

Claire Burke was this year’s runner-up. She is a junior at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, KS. 

The 2020 honorable mentions were: Grace Cifuentes (Concord, CA), Grace Lannigan (Easton, CT), Seryung Park (Tenafly, NJ), Vynateya Purimetla (Troy, MI), David Richman (Norfolk, VA), Madeleine Shaw (Bloomington, IN), Sara Smith (Fargo, ND), and Jack Viscuso (Northport, NY).  USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2020 National High School Essay Contest. 

2020 National High School Essay Contest Topic

Why Diplomacy and Peacebuilding Matter

How do members of the Foreign Service work with other civilian parts of the U.S. Government to promote peace, national security and economic prosperity?

Qualified essays focused on a specific challenge to U.S. peace and prosperity and included one example of the work of the Foreign Service and one or more examples of collaboration between America’s diplomats and other civilian (i.e. non-military) U.S. Government agencies or organizations.

2019 National High School Essay Contest

In its 21st year, the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)’s National High School Essay Contest encouraged students to think about how and why the United States engages globally to build peace, and about the role that the Foreign Service plays in advancing U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

For the second year in a row, the National High School Essay Contest focused on an important aspect of operating in countries affected by or vulnerable to violent conflict: effective coordination of the many different foreign policy tools the United States has at its disposal. Whether you were addressing the prompt for a second year or new to the contest, the contest will have challenged you to expand your understanding of the role of the Foreign Service and other actors in foreign policy, identify case studies, and provide a sophisticated analysis in a concise manner.

The essay prompt and a helpful study guide are included below; you can find out more information about the rules and how to submit by checking out AFSA’s essay contest page .

2019 Essay Question

The United States has many tools to advance and defend its foreign policy and national security interests around the world—from diplomatic approaches pursued by members of the Foreign Service, to the range of options available to the U.S. military. In countries affected by or vulnerable to violent conflict, peacebuilding tools are important additions to the national security toolkit.

In such complex environments, cooperation across agencies and approaches is challenging, but it can also blend knowledge and skills in ways that strengthen the overall effort to establish a lasting peace. On the other hand, lack of coordination can lead to duplication of effort, inefficient use of limited resources and unintended consequences.

In a 1,000-1,250-word essay, identify two cases—one you deem successful and one you deem unsuccessful—where the U.S. pursued an integrated approach to build peace in a conflict-affected country. Analyze and compare these two cases, addressing the following questions:

• What relative strengths did members of the Foreign Service and military actors bring to the table? What peacebuilding tools were employed? Ultimately, what worked or did not work in each case?
• How was each situation relevant to U.S. national security interests?
• What lessons may be drawn from these experiences for the pursuit of U.S. foreign policy more broadly?

Download the study guide for the 2019 AFSA National High School Essay Contest

2018 National High School Essay Contest

Jennifer John from Redwood City, CA is the 2018 National High School Essay Contest winner, surpassing close to 1,000 other submissions. Her essay examined to what extent U.S. interagency efforts in Iraq and Bosnia were successful in building peace. Aislinn Niimi from Matthews, NC was the runner up.

The 2018 honorable mentions were: Alex, DiCenso (North Kingstown, RI),Alexandra Soo (Franklin, MI), Caroline Bellamy (Little Rock AR), Colin LeFerve (Indianapolis, IN), Elizabeth Kam (Burlingham, CA), Emma Singh (Tenafly NJ), Emma Chambers (Little Rock AR),  Francesca Ciampa (Brooksville, ME), Greta Bunce (Franktown, VA), Isaac Che (Mount Vernon OH), Isabel Davis (Elk River MN), Katrina Espinoza (Watsonvile, CA), Molly Ehrig (Bethlehem, PA), Payton McGoldrick (Bristow, VA), Rachel Russell (Cabin John, MD), Sarah Chapman (Tucson, AZ), Shalia Lothe (Glen Allen VA), Sohun Modha (San Jose CA), Suhan Kacholia (Chandler, AZ), Supriya Sharma (Brewster, NY), Sydney Adams (Fort Wayne, IN), Tatum Smith (Little Rock AR), and William Milne (Fort Wayne, IN).  

2017 National High School Essay Contest

Nicholas Deparle, winner of the 2017 AFSA National High School Essay Contest, comes from Sidwell Friends School in Washington DC. A rising senior at the time, Mr. Deparle covers the Internally Displaced Persons crisis in Iraq and potential ideas to help resolve the issue.  Read his winning essay here . Mr. Manuel Feigl, a graduate of Brashier Middle College Charter High School in Simpsonville, SC took second place.

This year there were twenty honorable mentions: Mohammed Abuelem ( Little Rock, Ark.), Lucas Aguayo-Garber (Worcester, Mass.), Rahul Ajmera (East Williston, N.Y.), Taylor Gregory (Lolo, Mont.), Rachel Hildebrand (Sunnyvale, Calif.), Ryan Hulbert (Midland Park, N.J.), India Kirssin (Mason, Ohio), Vaibhav Mangipudy (Plainsboro, N.J.), William Marsh (Pittsburgh, Penn.), Zahra Nasser (Chicago, Ill.), Elizabeth Nemec (Milford, N.J.), David Oks (Ardsley, N.Y.), Max Pumilia (Greenwood Village, Colo.), Nikhil Ramaswamy (Plano, Texas), Aditya Sivakumar (Beaverton, Ore.), Donovan Stuard (Bethlehem, Penn.), Rachel Tanczos (Danielsville, Penn.), Isabel Ting (San Ramon, Calif.), Kimberley Tran (Clayton, Mo.), and Chenwei Wang (Walnut, Calif.).

2017 Essay Contest Topic

According to the United Nations, 65 million people worldwide have left their homes to seek safety elsewhere due to violence, conflict, persecution, or human rights violations. The majority of these people are refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Imagine you are a member of the U.S. Foreign Service —– a diplomat working to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the United States abroad – and are now assigned to the U.S. embassy in one of these four countries.

• Turkey (Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs)
• Kenya (Bureau of African Affairs)
• Afghanistan (Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs)
• Iraq (Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs)

Your task is to provide recommendations to address the refugee/IDP crisis facing the country in which you are now posted. Using the resources available to you as a member of the Foreign Service, write a memo to your Ambassador outlining how the United States might help address the current unprecedented levels of displacement. You may choose to address issues related to the causes of refugee crisis, or to focus on the humanitarian crisis in your host country.

A qualifying memo will be 1,000-1,250 words and will answer the following questions:

• How does the crisis challenge U.S. interests in the country you are posted and more broadly?
• Specifically outline the steps you propose the U.S. should take to tackle the roots or the consequences of the crisis, and explain how it would help solve the issue or issues you are examining. How will your efforts help build peace or enhance stability?
• How do you propose, from your embassy/post of assignment, to foster U.S. government interagency cooperation and cooperation with the host-country government to address these issues?  Among U.S. government agencies, consider U.S. Agency for International Development, the Foreign Commercial Service and the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Memo Template

TO: Ambassador ______________________

FROM: Only use your first name here

RE: Think of this as your title, make sure to include the country you are writing about

Here you want to lay out the problem, define criteria by which you will be deciding the best steps the U.S. could take, and include a short sentence or two on your final recommendation. Embassy leadership is very busy and reads many memos a day —– they should be able to get the general ““gist”” of your ideas by reading this section.

Background:

This section should provide any background information about the crisis or conflict relevant to your proposed policy. Here, you should mention why the issue is important to U.S. interests, especially peace and security.

Proposed Steps:

This is where you outline your proposed policy. Be specific in describing how the U.S. might address this issue and how these steps can contribute to peace and security. Include which organizations you propose partnering with and why.

Recommendation:

This is where you write your final recommendations for embassy leadership. Think of this as a closing paragraph.

Companion Guide for the 2017 National High School Essay Contest

It is no easy task to jump into the role of a diplomat, especially when confronted by such an urgent crisis. USIP, in consultation with AFSA, developed a guide to provide a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist you in answering the question, while still challenging you to develop your own unique response. As such, this guide should be used as a starting point to your own research and as you ultimately prepare a compelling memo outlining recommendations the U.S. government should follow to respond to the refugee and IDP crisis.

In the guide you will find: insights into the role of the Foreign Service; country, organization, and key-term briefs to provide a foundational understanding; and a list of other useful resources. Download the Companion Guide for the 2017 National High School Essay Contest (.pdf).

2016 National High School Essay Contest

USIP first partnered with AFSA for the 2016 contest and was pleased to welcome winner Dylan Borne to Washington in August. His paper describes his role as an economic officer in the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance. He writes about promoting education for girls in Afghanistan through on-line courses and dispersal of laptops. Read his winning essay (.pdf).

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23 Writing Competitions for High School Students

What’s covered:, why should you enter a writing competition, writing competitions for high school students, how do writing competitions affect my admissions chances.

Do you dream of writing the next great American novel? Are you passionate about poetry? Do you aspire to become a screenwriter? No matter what genre of writing you’re interested in—whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or something else entirely—there’s a writing competition focused on it.

Writing competitions provide great motivation to put pen to paper (or finger to key). Moreover, they’re an excellent step toward getting published, and can ultimately start you on the path to becoming a professional writer.

One of the best ways to improve your writing is simply to write—and competitions provide an excellent impetus to do so. Writing competitions also serve as an introduction to what life is like for many writers; participants entering writing competitions will receive a prompt or must think of an original idea, compose a piece of work, and submit it for review.

Another benefit of entering a writing competition for high schoolers is that many offer cash awards and scholarships, which can be used to help with the costs of college.

Additionally, many writing competitions are run by colleges and universities, so submitting them is a great way to introduce faculty to yourself and your work. If you win an award—especially a prestigious award—it can significantly improve your odds of college acceptance.

1. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

Type: Poetry and Prose

Submission Fee: $15

Prize: $200

Deadline: May 1, 2023

Eligibility:

• All secondary and undergraduate students

Guidelines:

• Each student may send up to five total submissions across the genres of poetry and prose
• Each poetry submission may include up to six poems (maximum of ten pages single-spaced). Each prose submission may include up to three works of fiction or creative nonfiction (combined word limit of 3,500 words; excerpts are acceptable).

Adroit Prizes are awarded to emerging high school and college writers in two categories: poetry and prose. Winning pieces are considered for publication in the Adroit Journal and winners receive an award of $200. The 2023 judges are Natalie Diaz and Ocean Vuong.

2. Ten-Minute Play Contest

Type: Plays

Submission Fee: N/A

Deadline: Passed, but the contest will reopen in 2024

Eligibility: Students in the eleventh grade in the U.S. (or international equivalent of the eleventh grade)

Guidelines: Applicants may submit only one play (10 pages maximum)

The Ten-Minute Play Contest is put on by Princeton University’s Lewis Center of the Arts. Applicants are allowed to submit one play that is no longer than 10 pages. Their submissions are judged by members of Princeton University’s Theater Program faculty.

3. Ayn Rand Anthem and The Fountainhead Essay Contests

Type: Essays

• Anthem: $2,000
• The Fountainhead : $5,000
• Anthem: Grades 8-12
• The Fountainhead : Grades 11-12
• Anthem: Essays must be written in English only and between 600 and 1,200 words in length, double-spaced
• The Fountainhead: Essays must be written in English only and between 800 and 1,600 words in length, double-spaced

In this essay competition, students pick one of three prompts about a topic related to Ayn Rand’s books and write an essay that goes through three stages of grading. Students are graded on their clarity, organization, understanding, and ability to stay “on topic.”

4. Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Type: Poetry

Prize: $500-$1,500

Eligibility: Students must be in the 11th grade in the U.S. or abroad

Guidelines: Applicants may submit up to 3 poems

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize is another contest run by Princeton University’s Lewis Center of the Arts. Winners are chosen by judges who are both poets and members of Princeton University’s creative writing faculty. Three monetary awards are available.

5. World Historian Student Essay Competition

Prize: $500

Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs

Guidelines: Essays should be approximately 1,000 words

Winners of this competition receive a $500 prize along with a free yearlong membership to the World History Association . To apply, you must submit an approximately 1,000-word essay responding to the following prompt:

• Submit an essay that addresses the following topic and discusses how it relates to you personally and to World History: Your view of a family story related to a historical event or your personal family cultural background, or an issue of personal relevance or specific regional history/knowledge.

6. Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

Prize: $250-$1,000

Deadline: June 1, 2023

Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students

• Must be submitted by the student through the official Essay Contest Submission website
• Entries may include a statement about the student’s mentor; however, a mentor statement is not required
• The essay must be 6-8 pages in length, not including the Works Cited page
• The essay must use MLA documentation, including a Works Cited page and parenthetical citations in the body of the text. Use endnotes only for substantive notes. Source material that is directly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized must be cited. Quotations from the Jane Austen work under discussion should be cited as well.

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Contest is an annual writing competition aimed at fostering an appreciation for its namesake’s work. The contest is broken down into three divisions—high school, college/university, and graduate school.

First-place winners are awarded a $1,000 prize along with free registration and lodging for two nights at JASNA’s Annual General Meeting—smaller monetary awards are also given to second- and third-place essayists.

This year’s essay topic:

• In Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen’s other novels, we see proposals and marriages that are motivated by love, as well as those that are better described as arranged marriages or marriages of convenience. Many cultures today also expect arranged marriages (not the same as forced). In your essay, compare and discuss the different types of marriages or courtships found in the novels, whether those relationships are new or longstanding.

7. Bennington College Young Writers Awards

Type: Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction

Deadline: November 1, 2023

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12

• Poetry: A group of three poems
• Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer) or one-act play (run no more than 30 minutes of playing time)
• Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)

Bennington College has a strong history of developing writers—it’s produced twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three U.S. poet laureates, and countless New York Times bestsellers—and the Bennington College Young Writers Awards celebrate this legacy.

In addition to offering cash awards to winners and finalists in all three categories, winners and finalists who apply and are accepted to Bennington College are also eligible for substantial scholarships.

8. Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest

Type: Poetry and Essays

Deadline: November 16, 2023

• You are required to have a team of 2 or more people
• The team must be intergenerational

Guidelines: Maximum length of 500 words (approximately 2 pages)

This unique writing competition requires that entries must be submitted by a team of two people from different generations—for example, a high school student and a teacher. Contestants can compete in a number of categories and themes, each with unique submission requirements.

9. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

Type: Fiction and Poetry

Prize: $2,000

Deadline: October 2, 2023

Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and recently graduated 2023 seniors

• Poetry: Students may submit their original poetry in any style, from formal verse to free verse to experimental. The poem should be formatted as you wish it to appear in the publication.
• Fiction: Students may submit a piece of short fiction, which must be no more than 5,000 words and should not be single-spaced. The entry may be any genre of the student’s choice, including graphic novel or story.
• Must submit educator recommendation, academic resume, and current transcript with application

Winning works for this competition are chosen based on their creativity, technique, expression, and originality. Three winners are chosen in each category and each winner receives a $2,000 prize.

10. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest

Prize: $100-$10,000

Eligibility: The contest is open to United States high school students in grades 9-12, U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program,  and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

• Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count.
• Essays must have a minimum of five sources.

The prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest is one of the most recognizable and prestigious writing competitions for high schoolers in the nation. Essays for the contest are required to describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917. The first-place winner of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest takes home a $10,000 award and second place receives a $3,000 prize.

11. YoungArts National Writing Competition

Deadline: Opens June 2023

Eligibility: 15- to 18-year-old visual, literary, or performing artist based in the United States

Guidelines: To be released

YoungArts supports talented young artists between the ages of 15 and 18 (or grades 10-12) in 10 disciplines, including writing. Applicants can submit entries in six genres—creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word.

12. SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

Submission Fee: $5

Prize: $300-$1,000

Eligibility: All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in U.S. public, private and home schools within the United States

• The essay should be 300-500 words
• Entries may be typed or handwritten but must be double-spaced

This high school writing contest is presented by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA) to increase awareness of the importance of independent media.

Last year’s prompt was:

• While consumers are drawn toward tweets and sound bites, how can journalists tell more of the story without losing readers’ interest?

13. VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competitions

Eligibility: High school students with disabilities

• 10-minute script
• Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration between two students that includes at least one student with a disability

This writing competition, presented by the Kennedy Center, is open to students ages 15-18 (or enrolled in high school) with disabilities. Writers may submit a “ten-minute” script in any genre, including plays, musicals, multimedia, video, film, TV, and podcasts.

Entries can be the work of an individual or the product of collaboration—provided that at least one of the collaborators has a disability. Multiple winners are chosen and given the chance to work with industry professionals, attend Kennedy Center professional development activities, and participate in networking opportunities.

14. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Prize: $350

Eligibility: Women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school

Guidelines: No more than two poems by any one student may be submitted

For almost six decades, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest has provided recognition, scholarships, and awards to the best female high school sophomore and junior poets. Submissions are reviewed by faculty members of Hollins University’s creative writing program and students enrolled in its M.F.A. in creative writing.

The first-place winner receives a $350 cash prize, a renewable $5,000 scholarship to Hollins University if they choose to enroll there, as well as free tuition and housing at the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program. Their winning work is also published in Cargoes , the university’s student literary magazine.

15. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Type: Various

Submission Fee: $10 for individual entry, $30 for portfolio (can use Fee Waiver Form)

Prize: Varies

Deadline: Opens in September

Eligibility: Teens in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up)

Guidelines: Varies by category

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. They offer 28 submission categories, including writing, critical essay, dramatic scripts, flash fiction, journalism, humor, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, and short story.

Works are judged by famous jurors who look for works that show originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Students can earn a variety of scholarships through success in these competitions.

Works that celebrate individual differences or personal grief, loss, and bereavement are eligible for $1,000 scholarships. High school seniors submitting winning portfolios of six works are eligible for up to $12,500 in scholarships.

16. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Type: Creative Writing and Poetry

Prize: $100-$1,500

Deadline: June 13, 2023

• Students ages 11-18 from around the world
• Students can participate as an individual or as a club, class, or group of any size
• All students must provide the contact information for an Adult Sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.)
• Creative Writing: no more than 5 pages (approximately 1,250 words)
• Poetry: no more than 2 pages
• A written reflection is required to accompany your submission, regardless of category. It is like the introduction to a book or an artist’s statement in a museum.

The 12th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students can participate in six different categories, including poetry and spoken word, and creative writing.

This year’s prompt centers around climate issues:

• Research and choose an inspirational scientist, activist, artist, educator, or other hero who is working to solve climate change issues. Create a piece of art, writing, or media that highlights their efforts, organizations, and/or positive impacts. We are familiar with the amazing work of environmental giants like Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough. We challenge you to introduce the Bow Seat community to a Climate Hero whose work we may not know about yet – but should.

17. John Locke Global Essay Competition

Submission Fee: N/A (unless late entry)

Prize: $2,000-$10,000 toward attending any John Locke Institute program

Deadline: June 30, 2023 (must register by May 31, 2023)

Eligibility: Candidates must be no older than 18 years old on June 30, 2023 (Candidates for the Junior Prize must be no older than 14 on the same date)

Guidelines: Each essay must address only one of the questions in your chosen subject category, and must not exceed 2,000 words (not counting diagrams, tables of data, footnotes, bibliography, or authorship declaration)

Students competing in this competition have the opportunity to write an essay in one of seven categories—philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Each category has three prompts, from which students choose and respond to one.

Essays are judged on knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, the competent use of evidence, quality of argumentation, originality, structure, writing style, and persuasive force.

If you miss the deadline, you can submit a late entry up until July 10. Late entries will be charged a $20 late fee.

18. AFSA National High School Essay Contest

Prize: $2,500

• Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate.
• Students must be in grades 9-12 in any of the 50 states, Washington, D.C, the U.S. territories, or—if they are U.S. citizens/lawful permanent residents —attending high school overseas.

Guidelines: Your essay should be at least 1,000 words but should not exceed 1,500 words (word count does not apply to the list of sources)

The AFSA Essay Contest focuses on knowledge of foreign policy and the American Foreign Service. Last year’s prompt was:

• In your essay, you will select a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals – including promoting peace – in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

The first-place winner receives $2,500, a paid trip to the nation’s capital with their parents from anywhere in the U.S., and an all-expenses-paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. The runner-up wins $1,250 and full tuition to attend a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.

19. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Prize: $100-$500

• The contest is open to individual students in the following three competition categories—Elementary School Students (grades 3-5), Middle School Students (grades 6-8), or High School Students (grades 9-12).
• You can also qualify with corresponding homeschool or international grade levels.
• High school student essays must be no more than 750 words
• You must also include a reference list of 3-10 resources

In this competition, students choose one of four prompts related to the 20 Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century and explore the technologies that have been developed in the last century and technologies that are being developed today. Students are judged based on their presentation and examples of engineering (~35%), their celebration of diversity (~50%), and their quality of writing (~15%).

20. The Blank Theatre Young Playwright’s Festival

Prize: Play is produced

Eligibility: Playwrights must be 19 years old or younger as of March 15, 2023; co-authored plays are welcome, provided all authors are 19 or younger

• Original plays or musicals of any length or genre and on any subject
• Up to three plays per playwright or team

While winners of this theater competition do not receive a cash prize, they have the unique opportunity to be mentored by leaders in the field, then will have their play directed and performed by professional artists during the following summer. The 12 best submissions are produced and professionally performed.

21. Saint Mary’s College of California River of Words Contest

Type: Poetry and Arts

• The contest is open to K-12 students, ages 5-19
• Students must be enrolled in school to be eligible
• Participants may submit up to 5 entries for poetry and 5 entries for art (total of up to 10 entries)
• Poems should not exceed 32 lines in length (written) or 3 minutes (signed)
• Collaborative poems and artwork are accepted, but only one student (chosen as the group representative) will be eligible for any prizes awarded

The River of Words contest aims to promote environmental literacy through the exchange of arts and culture. River of Words has been inspiring educators and students through this competition for over 25 years.

The goal of River of Words is to connect youth with their watersheds—the environments they live in—through engagement with art and poetry related to the idea of “place.” They look for art and poetry that shows the connection between students and the worlds around them.

22. Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Prize: $10,000

Deadline: November 6, 2023

Eligibility: Open to all 12th grade, college, and graduate students worldwide

Guidelines: Essays must be between 800 and 1,600 words in length

In this essay competition, high school seniors pick one of three prompts about a topic related to Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and write an essay that goes through three stages of grading. Students are graded on their clarity, organization, understanding, and ability to stay “on topic.”

23. Writopia Lab’s Worldwide Plays Festival

Prize: Play produced

Eligibility: Playwrights ages 6 to 18

• 8 minutes maximum
• Any genre or style
• Plays should have no more than three characters
• There can be no narrator of the play who is not emotionally invested in the story
• Students must incorporate at least one of the following props or costumes —blue plates, a yellow blouse, a Valentine’s heart with the word “Love,” a flower crown, a plush hotdog, a Mardi Gras bead with jester heads, a pack of clothespins, Russian nesting dolls, a set of miniature cymbals, a lavender blouse, a lei, or a roll of aluminum foil

Since 2010, Writopia Lab has been producing, designing, and directing one-act plays submitted by young playwrights. These winning plays are then performed by New York City theater professionals. The contest looks for playwrights who embody fearlessness and imagination. Writopia Lab says, “Write deeply! Write fiercely! Write politically and personally! And don’t be afraid to write with a sense of play – they are called plays, after all.”

While we can’t know exactly how activities outside of the classroom will affect your college admissions odds, the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities provide a helpful framework for understanding how colleges view your extracurriculars.

Extracurricular activities in Tiers 1 and 2 are reserved for the most exclusive and acclaimed awards, and can significantly improve your odds of college admission. By contrast, Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurriculars, and have less of an impact on your chances of college admission.

For example, if you place in a nationally renowned writing competition—a Tier 2 activity—this will positively affect your admissions chances. On the other hand, if you receive an honorable mention in your high school’s poetry contest—a Tier 4 activity—your admissions chances will not be significantly affected.

That said, if you are applying to an English Literature or Creative Writing program with a well-developed essay and recommendations that emphasize your commitment to language, participation in Tier 3 and 4 writing competitions could help admissions officers conceptualize your passion for your future career.

Curious how the writing competition you participated in will affect your college admission chances? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors—including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars—to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities, while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.

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The Gilder Lehrman Institute is pleased to offer several programs for students throughout the year, encouraging the study of American history and supporting students in their career and research goals.

Learning Opportunities

The Institute’s AP US History Study Guide provides videos, timelines, primary sources, and essays for students to use in preparation for the Advanced Placement United States History exam each year.

Hamilton Education Program Online

The goal of the Hamilton Education Program Online is to help students in grades 6–12 see the relevance of the founding era by using primary sources to create a performance piece (e.g., a song, rap, poem, or scene) following the model used by Lin-Manuel Miranda to create the musical Hamilton . The program consists of classroom activities and digital resources that can be incorporated into a regular curriculum on the founding era. Students participating in the program will have the chance to submit their performance piece and be selected to see a performance of Hamilton in New York City. 

Hamilton Cast Read Alongs feature Hamilton cast members reading award-winning children’s books followed by a discussion of the history behind the story led by Gilder Lehrman Master Teacher Keisha Rembert. A full catalog of Hamilton Cast Read Alongs can be found here .

Gilder Lehrman History School

Since the Gilder Lehrman Institute launched History School in April 2020, more than 5,500 students have participated in twenty-eight courses with our award-winning teachers. In History School, master teachers present lessons anchored in primary source documents, many from the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s collection of more than 80,000 American history artifacts. Our goal is to engage students and excite them about history so that they leave each lesson more knowledgeable about a new idea, theme, document, or pivotal moment in history.

History School classes will be offered in summer 2024 and announced in spring 2024. Recordings of fall 2020 and spring 2021 classes are available here .

History U: Self-Paced Courses for Students

The Gilder Lehrman Institute’s History U offers free courses in American history to high school students. These courses, led by the nation’s top historians, are drawn from our MA in American History program and allow you to study history at your own pace.

Taking a History U course can enhance college applications, supplement classroom learning, and allow you to explore your own love of history.

Each History U course includes

• Video lectures by a leading history professor
• Primary sources and in-depth readings
• Short quizzes to review your knowledge
• A certificate of completion for the course

More than five courses in subjects ranging from American immigration history to political history are now available. Please visit gilderlehrman.org/HistoryU to sign up.

Transcribe!

The Institute’s Digital Volunteer Transcription Project, Transcribe! , allows students to transcribe documents from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. These typed transcripts will help make primary sources more accessible for students, teachers, and researchers. This volunteer opportunity is available to students who are at least thirteen years old.

Prizes and Honors

The Richard Gilder History Prize serves as an opportunity for Affiliate School teachers to honor a promising and passionate history student in their school.

We provide an important book on American history with a commemorative bookplate allowing schools to personalize the prize, which makes a great award to include in an end-of-year classroom ceremony. In addition, students honored with the Richard Gilder History Prize at the high school level have the opportunity to join the Gilder Lehrman History Scholars, an honorary group of students who are among the first to learn about new courses, scholarships, and other opportunities offered by the Institute.

David McCullough Essay Prizes

Students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in our Student Advisory Council, awardees of the Richard Gilder History Prize, participants in our EduHam Online program, History U and History School course enrollees, and past Book Breaks History Scholars of the Week are eligible and encouraged to enter the David McCullough Essay Prizes, which offer $25,000 in prizes to outstanding student writing. Students can submit an original essay, written independently or for a 2022–2023 class, that has been revised, expanded, and adapted to conform with the McCullough Prize specifications.

The Student Advisory Council is a group of high-achieving students with an interest in history who are nominated by their teachers to join this elite community of like-minded individuals. The students have the opportunity to work with Gilder Lehrman Institute staff members to provide feedback on existing programs and help the institute refine its outreach with the needs of young people in mind. Students in grades 8–12 are eligible to participate in the council and act as the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s student voice. For more information on how to join, email [email protected] and click here for the application form.

2023–2024 Voting Rights Prizes

As part of The Right to Vote: The Role of States and the US Constitution, the Gilder Lehrman Institute is hosting a contest to award ten $500 Voting Rights Prizes to outstanding student work using material from The Right to Vote project for civic engagement as part of argumentative essays, podcast PSAs, and reports on projects in their community.

The Institute hosts remote internships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students (along with recent college graduates) year round. Interns are paid starting at $15 per hour. During the academic year, interns work an average of 10–15 hours per week, and during the summer session they work an average of 15–24 hours per week.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Gilder lehrman-national history academy scholarships.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute and the National History Academy are partnering to provide twenty scholarships exclusively to students at schools in our Affiliate School Program . These scholarships for the National History Academy's four-week residential summer program are inclusive of room, board, learning materials, and transportation and admission to historic sites. Transportation to and from the Foxcroft School for the program itself will not be covered by the scholarship. 

Affiliate School Program Scholarships to Partner Colleges and Universities

The Gilder Lehrman Institute has partnered with Gettysburg College (Gettysburg, PA) and Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY) to offer scholarships of $5,000 or more each year for up to four years exclusively for students from Gilder Lehrman Affiliate Schools. Learn more about the Affiliate School Program here .

Email [email protected] if you have additional questions.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute offers awards of $3,000 each for undergraduates to come to New York to do research at the Gilder Lehrman Collection and other archives. Each applicant is required to submit a brief project proposal as well as an annotated list of five documents from the Gilder Lehrman Collection to be used in the project. Details about the College Fellowships in American History can be found here . To apply, please visit this page .

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18 Writing Contests for High School Students

By Eric Eng

If you’re a high school student passionate about writing, entering writing contests can open many doors. These contests do more than showcase your talent; they offer potential scholarships, publication opportunities, and recognition that can make you stand out in the college admissions process. Participating helps you sharpen your writing skills and shows college admissions officers your dedication, creativity, and ability to excel in your field.

Here’s a list of 19 writing contests tailored for high school students, giving you the opportunity to shine and strengthen your higher education applications.

1. American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

• Location: Online
• 
 Contest Dates: Accepting applications from October 2, 2023
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM EDT
• 
 Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9-12 attending a U.S. high school or equivalent. Eligible students include those in the District of Columbia , U.S. territories, and U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service can also participate if they meet the location criteria.

The American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest offers a unique opportunity for high school students to engage in a critical analysis of international relations and U.S. foreign policy. Participants are tasked with writing an essay that demonstrates a clear understanding of the Foreign Service and its role in the global arena. The contest requires essays to be at least 1,000 words but not exceed 1,500 words. Submissions will be judged on analysis, research quality, and writing mechanics. Essays should follow the MLA Handbook guidelines and use a variety of sources, including academic journals, news articles, books, and government documents, ensuring at least three primary sources.

This contest distinguishes itself by emphasizing analytical skills, research quality, and writing style. It encourages participants to explore and understand the complex world of international diplomacy and foreign affairs. Winning this contest comes with prestigious awards, including a $2,500 cash prize, an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital, and a voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. The runner-up receives $1,250 and full tuition for a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference . Participation in this contest not only offers significant rewards but also enhances your college application, demonstrating your ability to engage with complex topics and conduct thorough research. The skills developed through this contest, including critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of international relations, are highly beneficial for academic and career advancement in a wide range of fields.

2. Engineer Girl Essay Contest

• Contest Dates: Topic and instructions were posted in September, with the contest running until February 1st.
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2024, by 11:59 pm ET
• Eligibility: Open globally to girls in grades 3-12 (ages 8-18).

The Engineer Girl Essay Contest is an annual event that encourages girls to explore the intersection of engineering and writing. For the 2024 contest, participants are asked to write about the lifecycle of an everyday object, showcasing their understanding of engineering concepts and their ability to communicate these ideas effectively. This exercise pushes contestants to think about how objects are made, used, and disposed of, and to consider the engineering processes involved in each stage of the object’s lifecycle. The contest, a standout among writing contests for high school students, fosters a deeper appreciation for the role of engineering in daily life and promotes critical thinking about sustainability and environmental impact.

This contest stands out by empowering young girls to engage with engineering topics, a field where women are traditionally underrepresented. It provides a space for girls to express their creativity and understanding of engineering through writing, bridging the gap between technical subjects and the arts. Winning this contest can significantly enhance college applications, demonstrating the participant’s ability to apply scientific concepts in a practical and thoughtful manner. It also helps in developing research and analytical skills, which are essential for academic success in any field. By participating in the Engineer Girl Essay Contest, girls not only expand their knowledge of engineering but also gain confidence in their ability to succeed in STEM-related fields.

 3. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Awards

• Location:   Online ( Columbia University)
• Cost: Free for the Gold Circle Awards; Crown Awards included in Regular or Associate Membership fees
• Contest Dates:   Guidelines for the 2024 CSPA Awards have not been announced
• Application Deadline:   Guidelines for the 2024 CSPA Awards have not been announced
• 
Eligibility: CSPA membership required. Open to middle/junior high schools, high schools, and colleges/universities in the U.S., Canada, and international schools with American or Canadian accreditation. Specific eligibility varies between Crown and Gold Circle Awards.

The CSPA Awards, comprising the Crown Awards and the Gold Circle Awards, are prestigious honors celebrating excellence in student publications. The Crown Awards recognize outstanding student newspapers, magazines, yearbooks, and digital/broadcast media published during the academic year. Entries are judged on their excellence as shown by their design, photography, concept, coverage, and writing. The Gold Circle Awards are individual honors for student journalists contributing to their school’s publications. These awards span various categories, including writing, editing, design, photography, and multimedia, allowing students to showcase their talents in specific aspects of journalism and publication design.

What sets the CSPA Awards apart is their comprehensive recognition of both collective and individual achievements in scholastic journalism and media. These awards provide an opportunity for students and advisers to showcase their creativity, journalistic skills, and dedication to producing high-quality publications. Participating in the CSPA Awards is not only an honor but also a valuable learning experience. Students receive professional feedback, helping them improve their journalism and design skills. This recognition and experience are impressive additions to college applications, demonstrating the students’ commitment to excellence in journalism and media arts. For advisers, the awards acknowledge their impactful mentorship, enhancing their professional credentials. Overall, the CSPA Awards foster a culture of excellence in scholastic journalism, encouraging students and advisers to strive for the highest standards in their work.

4. Letters About Literature Contest

• Location:   Online
• Contest Dates: Entries typically begin in November each year
• Application Deadline: January 29, 2024
• Eligibility: Students in grades 4-12 in the United States. Participants are required to read a book, poem, or speech and write a letter to the author (living or deceased) about how the work personally affected them.

The Letters About Literature Contest is a unique reading and writing competition that invites students in grades 4 through 12 to deeply engage with literature. Participants select a book, poem, or speech and write a letter to the author explaining how the text impacted them on a personal level. This exercise encourages students to reflect on their reading experiences and articulate their feelings and thoughts in a meaningful way. Letters are judged at state and national levels, providing opportunity for young readers and writers to gain recognition for their insights and expressive abilities.

What makes the Letters About Literature Contest stand out is its focus on the personal connection between reader and writer. Unlike typical writing contests that may emphasize creative or academic writing skills, this contest delves into the personal impact of literature, fostering a deeper appreciation for reading among participants. The contest’s format helps students develop empathy and reflective thinking, skills that are invaluable in both academic and personal growth. Winning state-level participants receive a $250 award, adding a tangible incentive to the contest. Participation in this contest can be a notable addition to college applications, showcasing a student’s engagement with literature and their ability to express complex thoughts and emotions in writing. It encourages a lifelong love for reading and writing, laying a strong foundation for future academic and professional endeavors in the humanities and beyond.

5. Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest for Young People

• Location:   Online (based in Japan)
• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024 International Essay Contest for Young People will be announced by mid-February 2024.
• 
 Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024 International Essay Contest for Young People will be announced by mid-February 2024.
• 
 Eligibility: Open globally to young people up to 25 years old, divided into two categories: children (up to 14 years old) and youth (15-25 years old)

The Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest for Young People is an annual global competition that invites young minds to explore themes of peace and sustainability. Each year, the contest focuses on a specific theme, encouraging participants to reflect and write about creating a better world. For instance, the theme for the 2023 contest was “Youth Creating a Peaceful Future.” This contest gives young people the opportunity to articulate their ideas and visions for a more harmonious and sustainable future. The winners receive a certificate of commendation from Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, along with a special gift.

This contest stands out for its global reach and focus on critical contemporary themes such as peace and sustainability. It encourages young writers to think deeply about global issues and their role in addressing them. Participation in this contest can be a significant addition to college applications, demonstrating a commitment to global issues and the ability to think critically and creatively about solutions. It offers young people a chance to contribute to important global dialogues and to be recognized on an international stage for their ideas. The contest not only fosters writing skills but also promotes global awareness and a sense of responsibility towards creating a peaceful, sustainable future. The experience and recognition gained from this contest can inspire and empower young individuals to continue their efforts to make positive changes in the world.

6. Apprentice Writer Contest

• Location: Susquehanna University
• 
Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024 contest are currently unspecified
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024 contest are currently unspecified
• Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9 to 12

The Apprentice Writer contest, held at Susquehanna University and overseen by the Writer’s Institute, offers a stage for high school students to showcase their writing and artistic talents. This annual competition focuses on capturing the creativity and skill of young writers and illustrators, providing an opportunity for them to get their work published in an esteemed journal. The contest covers various genres and styles, allowing students to express themselves in diverse literary and artistic formats. Aspiring writers and artists in high school are encouraged to submit their best work, which is then evaluated by a panel of judges with professional expertise.

What sets The Apprentice Writer contest apart is its association with Susquehanna University and the Writer’s Institute, institutions renowned for their commitment to fostering literary talent. Being published in the annual journal of The Apprentice Writer not only serves as a significant accolade for young creators but also offers an early start in building a portfolio of published work. This recognition can be instrumental in college applications, highlighting a student’s dedication to and proficiency in writing and art. Furthermore, participation in this writing contest helps high school students refine their skills, receive valuable feedback from established professionals, and gain confidence in their creative abilities. The experience gained from this contest can be a stepping stone to further opportunities in writing and art, setting the foundation for a successful academic and professional journey in the creative fields.

7. NCTE Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Award

• 
Cost: $25 entry fee (waived for first-time submissions)
• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024 
 REALM Award have not been announced
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024 
REALM Award have not been announced
• Eligibility: Open to all middle and secondary schools, colleges, and universities that are US accredited. Magazines submitted must have been published between September of the previous year and June of the entry year. Newspapers and yearbooks are not eligible.

The REALM program is designed to honor and acknowledge outstanding literary magazines created by students under the guidance of their teachers. It serves as a national platform for recognizing the artistry and skill involved in producing student literary magazines. The contest requires digital submissions of a school’s magazine, ensuring a broad range of participation. The evaluation process involves a point system, where magazines are judged and awarded based on their total points, falling into categories such as REALM First Class, Superior, Excellent, Distinguished, and Honorable Mention. This comprehensive judging system ensures a fair and thorough assessment of each submission.

The REALM Award stands out for its emphasis on the creative and editorial skills of students in the realm of literary publication. Participation in this contest not only fosters a love for literature and arts among students but also cultivates skills in writing, editing, and magazine production. Receiving recognition through the REALM program can significantly enhance the profile of the school’s literary magazine, serving as a testament to the quality of the student’s work and the school’s commitment to supporting the arts. For students, such an accolade is a valuable addition to their academic portfolio, reflecting their creative abilities and dedication to literary arts. This recognition can be advantageous for college applications, demonstrating involvement in and contribution to significant extracurricular activities. The REALM Award, therefore, not only celebrates student achievement but also nurtures future writers, editors, and literary enthusiasts.

8. One Teen Story Contest

• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024
 One Teen Story Contest have not been announced
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024
 One Teen Story Contest have not been announced
• 
Eligibility: Open to writers aged 13-19 worldwide, with a limit of one story submission per writer

The One Teen Story contest is an international writing competition specifically designed for young writers between the ages of 13 and 19. This contest provides a unique opportunity for teenagers to showcase their storytelling skills through short stories. Participants are encouraged to submit original, unpublished stories. The focus of the contest is on fiction that resonates with both teenage writers and readers, offering a chance for young authors to have their voices heard on a global stage. The winning stories are selected based on originality, narrative coherence, character development, and overall impact.

What sets the One Teen Story contest apart is its commitment to nurturing young literary talent. Winning stories are published in “One Teen Story,” a magazine that reaches over ten thousand readers, providing significant exposure for emerging young writers. Additionally, winners receive a prize of $500 and 25 copies of the magazine issue featuring their story. This opportunity not only rewards creativity but also introduces young writers to the publishing world. Working with a One Teen Story editor prior to publication is an invaluable learning experience, offering insights into the editorial process and professional writing standards. For college applications, this accolade is a powerful testament to a student’s writing abilities and dedication to their craft. Participation in this contest can ignite a passion for writing and storytelling, laying the groundwork for future literary pursuits and academic successes.

9. Polyphony Lit

• Cost: Varies; free for the annual volume and some seasonal contests, others cost $5
(application fee)
• Contest Dates: Vary depending on the contest; for example, the Polyphony Lit Winter Contest typically starts on January 1st, and the Fall Contest runs from September 1st to October 31st
• Application Deadline: Varies; the Polyphony Lit Winter Contest is February 29th or until a maximum of 200 submissions is reached
• Eligibility: Open to high school students globally, with specific writer qualifications varying by contest

Polyphony Lit offers a series of literary contests for high school students across the globe, focusing on poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Each submission is meticulously read and evaluated by an international editorial team comprising over 150 high school students. The contest cycles include various seasonal competitions and an annual volume submission period. The contest allows young writers to showcase their literary talents and gain recognition in the international literary community.

The Polyphony Lit contest is unique in its global reach and its editorial process, which involves high school students from around the world. This peer-review system not only ensures a fair and relatable evaluation process but also fosters a sense of community among young writers. Winners of the contest receive the prestigious Polyphony Lit Writing Award, publication in the annual volume, a full scholarship for Polyphony’s editor training course, and eligibility for the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards. These accolades provide substantial recognition and can significantly enhance college applications, demonstrating a commitment to and achievement in creative writing. Participation in the contest also offers invaluable experience in the world of literary publishing and editing, equipping young writers with skills that are beneficial for both academic and future career endeavors in writing and beyond.

10. Teen Ink 

• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024
 Teen Ink Writing Contest have not been announced
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024
 Teen Ink Writing Contest have not been announced
• Eligibility: Open to students ages 13 to 19 attending middle or high school globally

The Teen Ink contest, recognized as one of the premier writing contests for high school students, encourages young writers and artists aged 13 to 19 to submit their best work across various creative categories. This online contest is designed to publish exceptional works by teens in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, art, photography, and reviews. It provides an opportunity for high school students from around the globe to share their creativity, thoughts, and perspectives with a wider audience. Each submission is a chance to contribute to the rich collage of Teen Ink’s magazine content, which is celebrated for its diversity and depth.

What sets Teen Ink apart is its broad scope and inclusive nature, offering a venue for a wide array of artistic and literary expressions. The contest celebrates the voices of young creators, offering them publication opportunities in a magazine that has already featured the works of over 55,000 teens. Winning or being published in Teen Ink can be a significant feather in the cap of any young creator, providing not just the thrill of seeing their work in print, but also the validation of their talents. Such achievements can bolster college applications, showcasing a student’s commitment to and aptitude for their chosen art or literary form. In addition, the collaborative and competitive aspects of Teen Ink contests promote growth, resilience, and a sense of community among participants, all of which are invaluable traits for personal and academic success.

11. The Emerson Prize

• Location: Worldwide
• Cost:   Entry fee ranging from $70 to $150, based on the subscription type chosen.
• Contest dates: Rolling admissions
• Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; specific issues deadlines are February 1 (Summer), May 1 (Fall), August 1 (Winter), and November 1 (Spring)
• Eligibility: High school students who have authored a history research paper.

The Emerson Prize is a distinguished annual award granted to high school students who have demonstrated exceptional historical scholarship through their research papers published in The Concord Review . As a celebration of scholarly excellence, it recognizes young historians who contribute original research and thoughtful analysis to the discourse of history. The essays cover a wide array of topics, showcasing the writers’ dedication to uncovering and presenting historical truths.

The Emerson Prize elevates the importance of historical study among high school students, spotlighting those who go above and beyond in their academic endeavors. Recipients of the prize not only receive national recognition but are also awarded $1,000, affirming the value of their scholarly contributions. This accolade can be a pivotal advantage for college admissions, underscoring a student’s capability for in-depth research and academic writing. It also signals to colleges the student’s readiness for the rigors of undergraduate study and potential for future scholarly work. Beyond the immediate recognition, the prize encourages a lifelong pursuit of historical understanding and critical thinking, fostering a foundation that benefits students in any field they choose to pursue.

12. NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing

• Contest Dates: Accepting applications from August 29, 2023
• Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
• 
 Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students in the United States and Canada

The NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing is a distinguished program designed to recognize the writing talents of 10th and 11th-grade students and to encourage their growth as writers. With the contest prompt released on August 29, 2023, students are invited to brainstorm, draft, and refine their submissions until the February deadline. The submissions are evaluated on a variety of criteria including content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, structure, development, and style. This comprehensive review process ensures a fair and merit-based assessment of each student’s writing.

What sets the NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing apart is its status as a school-based recognition program, underlining the educational community’s role in nurturing young writers. Students who earn the Certificate of Superior Writing/First Class distinction gain national recognition, with their names and states published on the NCTE website. This recognition can enhance a student’s academic portfolio, reflecting their dedication and skill in writing—an asset for college applications. The emphasis on varied elements of writing also prepares students for the demanding writing tasks they will face in higher education and beyond, fostering a skill set that is critical for academic success across disciplines.

13. Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

• Contest Dates: Specific submission dates for the 2023-2024 contest have not been mentioned
• Application Deadline: October 31, 2023
• Eligibility: 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students in public, private, parochial schools, home-schooled, and dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is a youth essay competition that inspires middle school students to reflect on American history and their own experiences to express their ideas based on a patriotic theme. Participants are tasked with writing a 300 to 400-word essay, typed in English with black ink, to articulate their views under the guidance of the annual theme set by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. The essays must adhere to strict guidelines, including word count and anonymity, to ensure a level playing field. Contestants must also submit three typed copies of their essay along with the official entry form.

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest distinguishes itself with its patriotic emphasis, motivating students to engage critically with their national heritage and the principles of American society. It offers significant rewards, including a $5,000 national first-place prize, and a minimum of $500 for each first-place state winner, fostering academic motivation and recognition. Participation in this contest can be an impressive addition to educational credentials, signalling a student’s ability to think critically and write clearly about complex themes. For many young students, the contest provides their first experience with a national competition, laying a foundation for future academic pursuits and instilling a sense of national pride and responsibility.

14. Profile in Courage Essay Contest

• Contest Dates: Submissions open on September 1, 2023
• Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
• Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; U.S. students under 20 in high school correspondence/GED programs; U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges high school students to write an essay on a U.S. elected official who demonstrated political courage past 1917, the year of John F. Kennedy’s birth. The essay must explore an act of bold leadership on a pressing issue at any level of government — local, state, national, or international. Students are asked to provide an in-depth analysis of their chosen act of political courage, discussing the implications and the impact of the official’s actions.

Standing out for its focus on political courage and historical analysis, the Profile in Courage Essay Contest provides an enriching educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. It encourages students to delve into the complexities of governance and ethics, fostering critical thinking and an appreciation for civic responsibility. The contest offers substantial awards, with the first-place winner receiving $10,000, and additional significant prizes for runners-up and finalists. The recognition from such a prestigious writing contest can be a remarkable asset for college applications, highlighting high school students’ research skills and ability to engage with historical and contemporary political issues. Winners also have the honor of attending the Profile in Courage Award ceremony, providing a unique opportunity to connect with leaders and be part of a community that values courage and integrity in public service.

15. Stone Soup Contests

• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024
 Stone Soup Contests have not been announced
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024
 Stone Soup Contests have not been announced
• Eligibility: Varies by contest; the Annual Book Contest 2022 was open to individuals aged 14 or under, and there are specific contests for upcoming college students.

Stone Soup, the esteemed literary magazine for young writers and artists, holds various contests throughout the year, such as the Annual Book Contest and writing contests for college-bound students. These competitions seek to discover and celebrate the talents of young creators in genres, including short stories, poetry, personal essays, and artwork. Each contest comes with its own theme and guidelines, offering young creators multiple opportunities to showcase their skills and creativity.

What distinguishes the Stone Soup contests is their commitment to fostering the artistic and literary development of young people. The contests provide a respected outlet for publication, which can be a significant milestone in a young creator’s life. Having work published in Stone Soup can be a strong point of interest in college applications, indicating a student’s dedication to their craft and ability to achieve at a competitive level. Beyond the honor of publication, the contests offer experience with the submission and editorial process, which is valuable for any budding writer or artist. Participation also encourages discipline and creativity, which are important skills for academic success and personal growth.

16. We the Students Essay Contest

• Contest Dates: Submissions typically open in the fall
• Application Deadline: February 14, 2024
• Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 attending public, private, religious, or charter schools, enrolled in a GED or correspondence school program, or participating in a home school program in the United States and its territories

The “We the Students Essay Contest” is a prestigious annual competition hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute, designed to engage U.S. students in grades 8 through 12 in thoughtful reflections on the principles of the Constitution. Participants are tasked with crafting compelling essays on topics related to civic understanding and the role of the Constitution in the contemporary United States. The contest provides the opportunity for students to articulate their insights and demonstrate their understanding of the importance of the Bill of Rights and the founding principles of American governance.

The contest is distinguished by its emphasis on civic education and the encouragement of students to critically analyze and discuss key constitutional concepts. Winning this contest comes with substantial awards, with the first-place winner receiving $7,500 and a scholarship to attend the Constitutional Academy in Washington, D.C. Such an achievement can be instrumental in college applications, highlighting students’ engagement with complex historical and governmental topics and their ability to express informed opinions. Participation in the contest not only bolsters students’ credentials but also enriches their understanding of American democracy, a knowledge base that is valuable in academic pursuits and as active citizens.

17. American Scholastic Press Assn (ASPA) Yearbook and Newspaper Contest

• Cost: $100 for yearbooks, $60 for newspapers
• Contest Dates: Submissions for 2024 Yearbooks and Magazines accepted in Summer and Fall 2024
• Application Deadline: The 2024 deadline has not 
been announced
• Eligibility: Open to schools in the United States and its territories that publish yearbooks or newspapers

The ASPA Yearbook and Newspaper Contest is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and recognizing excellence in scholastic publishing. Schools across the United States and its territories are invited to submit their yearbooks and newspapers for critique and assessment. The contest aims to evaluate the quality of student journalism and design, offering categories that cover a broad spectrum of school publication activities. It gives students an opportunity to showcase their journalistic talents, editorial skills, and creativity in both print and digital formats.

The ASPA contest stands out for its comprehensive evaluation process, which offers valuable feedback sensitive to school budgetary concerns. This feedback helps schools improve their publications and encourages high standards in scholastic journalism. The recognition from winning an ASPA award can significantly enhance the profile of a school’s publication team, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in journalism and publication design. For high school students, participating in this writing contest can be instrumental in college applications, as it showcases their involvement in significant extracurricular activities and their ability to collaborate on complex projects. The skills developed through participation—writing, editing, design, and teamwork—are invaluable for academic and professional success. Additionally, the contest fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment among student journalists and can inspire them to pursue careers in journalism, media, and related fields.

18. Quill and Scroll Yearbook Excellence Contests

• Location: United States and its territories
• Cost: Each entry is $7
• Contest dates: Typically opens for submissions in the fall (specific dates for the 2024 contest not mentioned)
• Eligibility: Open to schools in the United States and its territories that publish yearbooks

The Quill and Scroll Yearbook Excellence Contests are designed to honor and celebrate superior yearbook design and coverage by schools across the United States and its territories. This contest provides a platform for students and educators to showcase their yearbook programs, focusing on various aspects of yearbook production, such as design, photography, and editorial content. Participation in these contests offers an opportunity for schools to have their yearbook evaluated against high standards, encouraging excellence in scholastic journalism and publication design.

What sets the Quill and Scroll Yearbook Excellence Contests apart is their focus on both the overall yearbook program and individual achievements within yearbook production. This dual approach allows for recognition of comprehensive team efforts as well as individual talent in various aspects of yearbook creation. Winning these contests or receiving critiques can significantly benefit a school’s yearbook program, offering insights for improvement and recognition for excellence. Participating in writing contests for high school students can be particularly advantageous for those interested in careers in journalism, design, or related fields, as it showcases their practical experience and achievements. Participation in the contests can also enhance college applications, demonstrating involvement in significant extracurricular activities and the ability to work collaboratively on complex projects. Furthermore, these contests foster a sense of pride and accomplishment in students, motivating them to continue striving for excellence in their creative and journalistic endeavors.

In conclusion, these 18 writing contests provide high school students with a remarkable opportunity to cultivate their writing skills, gain recognition, and potentially earn scholarships and other rewards. Participating in these contests not only prepares students for the challenges of college-level writing but also adds significant value to their college applications, showcasing their talents and commitment to their craft. Whether aspiring to a career in journalism, creative writing, or any other field, these contests are a stepping stone toward achieving academic and professional goals.

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Young Historian Awards 2024 – take part (Secondary prizes)

History competition for students

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Young people researching and writing history – and getting recognised for it!

Researching, writing and presenting ideas about a historical theme or period is one of the best parts about studying history. We want young school and college aged students to get the bug for writing about history in an incisive, interesting and critical way.

That is why each year the Historical Association in collaboration with the Spirit of Normandy Trust has organised a series of awards for outstanding history scholarship. Young people aged from 11-19 years are asked to investigate, analyse and write about history. The subject categories cover local history, the modern world and especially aspects of 20th-century history. 

These awards and the partnership of over 25 years hope to encourage and produce the historians of the future as well as engaging young people with meaningful historical questions and issues of local interest.

So if you think you or your students could be the next Margaret MacMillan or Anthony Beevor, get thinking about the questions and subjects that matter and that meet the questions and topics below.

For the Primary competition see here

The closing date for entries is 20 July 2024 (1 July for overseas entries). 

Please note: entries supplied by under 16s must be sent by a parent or teacher.

Young Historian Prizes in 2024

• The Rev John Louis Petit Award (essay competition) – see below for details
• Spirit of Normandy Trust Prize for GCSE/A Level students: for individual work on any aspect of British involvement in the Second World War. 
• Spirit of Normandy Trust Prize for Key Stage 3: for individual work on any aspect of British involvement in the Second World War
• GCSE World War 1 Prize: for individual work on any aspect of the First World War
• Key Stage 3 World War 1 Prize: for any individual work on the First World War
• GCSE Modern World Prize: for individual work on any aspect of the Modern World
• 16-19 Local History Prize for Schools and Colleges: for individual personal enquiries into Local History
• GCSE Local History Prize: for individual work on a Local History theme
• Key Stage 3 Local History Prize: for individual work on any Local History theme
• Mid-Trent Historical Association Prize for the Best Secondary School History Magazine

The purpose of these Prizes is to encourage you to think, research and frame your own questions that you will answer from further reading and research. This might be the result of a piece of work your teacher has set you to do at home during the current situation, or it may be a piece of research you are carrying out for your own interest. It is also an opportunity to perhaps tell some of the untold stories around the themes. Good luck!

Rev John Louis Petit Award

The Rev Petit Society are once again funding an essay competition within the Young Historian Awards for work connected to the life and work of the Rev John Louis Petit (1801-1868).

Petit was an important 19th-century artist and architectural commentator. Essentially an impressionistic artist, his artistic legacy amounted to approximately 14,000 water colours and sketches.

His work can be explored on www.revpetit.com but interested schools will be given, on request, a copy of an informative and illustrated book – Petit’s Tours of Old Staffordshire –  the contents of which extend much further afield, within the Midlands but also nationally and internationally. Images of Petit pictures, churches and secular structures near to a school will be supplied.

Entries with a substantial focus on Petit’s work will be assessed by the regular Young Historian judging panel. The prize will be £40.00 for the winning student and £40.00 for their school.

Enquiries about these Prizes are most welcome and further particulars can be obtained from:

The Young Historian Project, 36 Heritage Court, Lichfield Staffordshire WS14 9ST.

Or phone to discuss the details with Dr Trevor James on 01543 258434.

The closing date for entries is 20 July 2024 (1 July for overseas entries). If you would like to submit your entry by email please send it to [email protected]  including details of which prize you are submitting for, the entrant name, date of birth, entrant's postal address and school name/address.

• Young Historian Awards - find out more

Essay Prizes for History

The peterhouse vellacott history prize.

A great opportunity to start exploring your historical interests and get a taste of university-level research, the Vellacott prize is open to all students in year 12 or equivalent, regardless of nationality or school country. Essays must be between 2,000 and 4,000 words including footnotes and appendices.

THE ROBSON HISTORY PRIZE

An annual competition for Year 12 or Lower 6th students, the Robson Prize encourages ambitious and talented Year 12 or Lower Sixth students to apply to university to read History and recognises the achievements both of high-calibre students and of those who teach them. Candidates are invited each year to submit an essay of between 2,000 and 4,000 words.

THE ROBINSON COLLEGE ESSAY PRIZE

Open to all students currently in Year 12 (Lower Sixth, or equivalent) at a UK School, responses should be no longer than 2,000 words (including footnotes and captions).  The questions may be discussed with reference to any academic discipline or area of interest. Up to three entries may be submitted per school.

JULIA WOOD HISTORY ESSAY PRIZE

Established in 1971, in memory of a St Hugh’s College alumna, the Julia Wood Prize is an annual History essay competition open to Sixth Form pupils who have not been in the Sixth Form of any school or college for a period of more than two years. The Prize, worth up to £500, is offered by the Principal and Fellows of St Hugh’s College for the best historical essay submitted by the closing date.

THE JOHN LOCKE INSTITUTE ESSAY COMPETITION

Entry is open to students from any country and any school. Each essay should address only one of the questions in your chosen subject category, and must not exceed 2000 words (not counting diagrams, tables of data, footnotes, bibliography or authorship declaration). There is a prize of £100 for the best essay, and the essay will be published (with the authors' permission) on the Institute website.

FITZWILLIAM ARCHAEOLOGY ESSAY COMPETITION

This essay competition is for Lower Sixth Formers or Year 12 students (or equivalent). International applicants are welcomed but the essay must be written in English. There is a strict limit of five submissions per school for each essay competition. Essays should be less than 2500 words long, and contain a list of works consulted and cited at the end. This bibliography is excluded from the world limit, but any footnotes are included.

HISTORY OF TOTALITARIANISM ESSAY PRIZE

Entries are invited for a history essay prize for students in the sixth form during the 2024-25 academic year. The subject this year is "Jung Chang and the Cultural Revolution" - with Jung Chang herself, author of  Wild Swans , presenting the prizes. The winning prize is £1,500 and there are also prizes for the second, third and those highly commended. Length: 1,800 to 2,000 words. One entry per student but no limit to entries per school.

The Versus History Essay Prize

The Versus History Essay Prize (#VHEssayPrize) is an annual essay competition for Year 11-13 (or equivalent) students across the world. The #VHEssayPrize aims to promote history as an academic discipline and a popular pursuit amongst the future generation of historians, who will ultimately play a key role in preserving and interpreting our global past and heritage. Versus History is dedicated to democratizing access to, and inclusion in, the field of history, and offering essay prizes contributes to this goal. 2023 marks the exciting debut of the competition from Versus History. 

Oxford and Cambridge Essay Competitions

We have gathered together some of the key essay competitions to enter, hosted by colleges at oxford and cambridge university..

If you are applying for Oxbridge or a top UK or Russell Group university that interviews its applicants, it is worth noting that many of the competition questions are very similar to interview-style questions. Submitting an essay to one of these essay competitions is a great way to increase your super-curricular knowledge for personal statement or interview and many will provide feedback from top academics in their field. You may only have time to enter one competition, but check out similar ones relating to your course of application, and practise brainstorming/verbalising an answer to the question.

Could you be interested in having an Oxbridge-educated mentor support your writing process? Minds Underground™ is the brainchild of the wider educational company, U2 , with offerings curated by a team of 700+ Oxbridge-educated mentors , who would be able to support both your essay competition entry and wider Oxbridge application (sessions from £75/h).

Do also check out online Oxbridge Summer Schools , hosted by our team of Oxbridge graduates, with 12 different subject categories!

Course-wide Oxbridge Essay Competitions:

Robinson college, cambridge’s essay prize.

This essay competition is designed to give students the opportunity to develop and showcase their independent study and writing skills. Unfortunately, for external reasons, the essay won’t be running in 2023, but may well be running in 2024 so do keep an eye out so you don’t miss it!

Sample Essay Questions from 2020

Discuss, with reference to any academic discipline, any area of interest raised by one of the following quotations/ questions:

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” (Benjamin Franklin) Do you agree?

Does the theory of evolution by natural selection tell us anything interesting about how we should live?

Watch the following TED talk by novelist Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story.  TED Global . (2009) Available online via:  https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story . What are novels for? Answer in light of the TED talk and any one or two text(s) you have read recently

“A true war story is never moral. […] If a story seems moral, do not believe it. If at the end of a war story you feel uplifted, or if you feel that some small bit of rectitude has been salvaged from the larger waste, then you have been made the victim of a very old and terrible lie. There is no rectitude whatsoever.” (Tim O’Brien,  The Things They Carried , 1990). Write about any piece of war literature or art about war in light of O’Brien’s claim

There is no such thing as ‘untranslatable’. Discuss

Sample Essay Questions from 2022

'Law and morality should never collide'. Discuss.

A character in a novel written by an African American woman in 1892 makes the following claim:"Miss Leroy, out of the race must come its own thinkers and writers. Authors belonging to the white race have written good books, for which I am deeply grateful, but it seems to be almost impossible for a white man to put himself completely in our place. No man can feel the iron which enters another man's soul." (From Iola Leroy by Francis Harper)Black feminist writer Patricia Hill Collins describes the above as a "belief in a special vision of those who have experienced oppression". Discuss this belief with reference to at least one book, play, or poem written by an author of colour.

Can science tell us how we should live?

In the twenty-first century, what is monarchy for?

"A good translation is like a pane of glass. It should never call attention to itself." (Norman R. Shapiro). Discuss.

Girton College, Cambridge’s Humanities Writing Competition

Aimed at giving Humanities applicants an insight into research at university level - candidates expected to produce extensively researched, clearly written and well-referenced essays ranging well beyond the set curriculum. This essay is a great way to extend your knowledge and research across a wide range of different humanities based subjects so useful if you are looking to apply for something like Human, Social, Political Sciences (HSPS).

Newnham College, Cambridge’s Woolf Essay Prize

This year, the Woolf Essay Prize invites participation from all female students in Year 12 (or equivalent), irrespective of their school or nationality. The submission deadline is 12pm GMT on Friday, July 14th, 2023.

While this award might particularly interest those pursuing English Literature, History, Politics, Philosophy, or Sociology, the college encourages entries from curious students studying a diverse range of subjects.

Archaeology

Fitzwiliam college, cambridge’s archaeology essay competition.

Past questions: What are the challenges in reconstructing cultural identities from the archaeological record?// How does reconstructing diet help us understand past societies?

The college also runs writing Webinars in the months leading up to these essay competitions that would be really useful in getting yourself Cambridge and Oxford

Architecture

Fitzwilliam college, cambridge’s architectural design competition.

This is an exciting opportunity for secondary school students to analytically approach a design problem and creatively develop architectural design solutions. Students will design and communicate their design solutions through drawings and a design narrative

Oriel College, Oxford’s Lloyd Davies Philosophy Prize

2019 questions included: Is anything special about the present moment?// Can one be mistaken about one's own state of mind?// Which is more important in determining the wrongness of a person's action: the person's intentions or the action's effects?

The Lloyd Davies Philosophy Prize is open to students in Year 12 (or equivalent). The first prize is £250, and there may also be a second prize of £150.

Trinity College, Cambridge’s Philosophy Essay Prize

2020 Question 1: If you learn that humanity will be extinct in twenty years, what difference should it make to what you value?

Question 2: Could you be friends with a robot?

The competition carries a First Prize of £600 and a Second Prize of £400, to be split equally between the candidate and his or her school or college; the school or college’s portion of the prize to be issued in the form of book tokens.

St. Hugh’s College, Oxford’s The Julia Wood Prize

St Hugh’s College, Oxford offers a prize worth up to £500, for the best historical essay submitted by a pupil who, at the closing date, has been in the Sixth Form of any school or college for a period of not more than two years.

Entries should be 2,000 – 4,000 words in length, and should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document, together with the Julia Wood Prize cover sheet .

Trinity College, Cambridge’s Robson History Prize

2020 Questions : E.g. Can one write a history of women in Ancient Greece? Is it meaningful to speak of a ‘renaissance’ in intellectual life in twelfth-century Europe? What can historians learn from coins?

The competition carries a First Prize of £600, and second prize of £400 both to be shared equally between the successful essayist and their school or college.

St. Hugh’s College, Oxford’s The Mary Renault Prize

At least one prize will be awarded a pupil who is not studying either Latin or Greek to A-level standard

Prize worth up to £300

“Essays can be from any discipline and should be on a topic relating to the reception of classical antiquity – including Greek and Roman literature, history, political thought, philosophy, and material remains – in any period to the present; essays on reception within classical antiquity (for instance, receptions of literary or artistic works or of mythical or historical figures) are permitted.”

Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge’s Ancient World/ Classics Essay Competition

Trinity college, cambridge’s gould prize for essays in english literature.

“This Essay Prize has the following aims. First, to encourage talented students with an interest in English Literature to explore their reading interests further in response to general questions about the subject.”

Like the other Trinity essay competitions, the competition carries a First Prize of £600, and second prize of £400 both to be shared equally between the successful essayist and their school or college.

Queen’s College, Cambridge’s The Estelle Prize for English

Example question from 2019 competition: The following two poems, (a) 'To Autumn' by John Keats, and (b) 'Halcyon Days' by Walt Whitman, might be said to create for their readers an experience as well as an understanding of time. Making reference to the distinctive temporality of one or both poems, write about the experience of time in any other poem or poems you like.

The winner will receive a £500 prize; depending on the strength of the field of submissions, honourable mentions may also be made.

Linguistics

Trinity college, cambridge’s linguistics essay prize.

It may be of interest to students taking A-Levels in Modern Languages, English Language or Classics, but also to students taking Psychology or Mathematics

Land Economy

Fitzwilliam college, cambridge’s land economy competition.

Past questions: ‘Governments should be accountable to their citizens for loss caused by climate change’. Discuss.// Critically analyse the costs and benefits of a large-scale infrastructure project of your choice. In making this assessment, consider in particular any regional disparities and how they are affected by such projects

Trinity College, Cambridge’s R.A. Butler Politics Prize

Aims to encourage students with an interest in modern politics and world affairs to think about undertaking university studies in Politics, International Studies or a related discipline; it is not limited to those already studying these subjects or indeed other social sciences

Trinity College, Cambridge’s Robert Walker Prize for Essays in Law

Aims to encourage students with an interest in Law to explore that interest by researching, considering and developing an argument about a legal topic of importance to modern society.

2020 Question': ‘Should legal disputes be determined by artificial, rather than human, means?’

Peterhouse College, Cambridge’s Kelvin Science Prize

The Kelvin Science Essay Competition is open to students in their penultimate year of study (Year 12 in England and Wales, S5 in Scotland, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or equivalent) who are educated in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Please find attached the questions for this years competition. 

Are you applying to Oxbridge? Join our Summer “ Beyond the Syllabus ” Classes for Oxbridge Preparation

Oxford and Cambridge offer environments where individuals are enriched through constant interaction and discussion with the world’s leading academics in intimate tutorial sessions of 1-3 students. At interview, prospective applicants are expected to demonstrate how they would perform in a tutorial session – they must exhibit high performance capability in their specific academic field as well as creative or abstract thinking. This means your preparation must go beyond school learning and activities. Excelling in an academic field or skill to the level required by Oxbridge, whether that be in the Social Sciences, Humanities or STEM subjects, requires exploring new material and ideas outside the standard curriculum, verging on 1st year university level learning.

Which is why our Oxbridge subject specialists have curated summer courses in 17 subjects, replicating the Oxbridge style of teaching and learning.

Our Online Summer Schools are specifically designed to encourage university level thinking and give you exposure to a range of exciting topic areas outside the curriculum

You’ll learn from our all-Oxbridge team of subject specialists

Let us know if you have any questions via email or call (+447772211241). We would be delighted to have you join us

Do also check out our free Oxbridge resources on our tuition division website, U2 Tuition ! We have new blogs on MLAT, BMAT and HAT preparation, Psychology personal statement writing and more!

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is pleased to announce its annual International High School Essay Contest

2024 Essay Title:

What impact do you believe that Social Media is having On Mental Health and Why is it Important to Address this issue?

Eligibility & Rules

The Contest is open to all college-bound, high school seniors who submit an essay application through a Chapter of the Fraternity.

The essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright. The essay must be between 700 and 750 words in length. The type-written, double-spaced essay may be submitted via postal service or email in Microsoft Word.

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Submission Process

All submissions will be reviewed by your local Chapter (determined by your high school/home address). Submissions will not be accepted after October 20, 2024. Do not change or shorten the Essay Topic.

Rating Criteria

All local Chapters will assemble a review panel to assess submitted essays based on the following criteria. Essays may earn a maximum rating of 100 points:

1. Development of Topic/Thesis: (30 possible points) 2. Progression: (20 possible points) 3. Readability: (25 possible points) 4. Grammar: (15 possible points) 5. Spelling: (5 possible points) 6. Punctuation: (5 possible points)

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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. | 3951 Snapfinger Parkway. Decatur, Georgia 30035 | Phone: 404-284-5533

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FFRF awards almost $20,000 to 2024 high school essay winners

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce $19,850 in scholarship money to the winners of the 2024 William Schulz High School Essay Contest.

College-bound high-school seniors were asked to write a personal persuasive essay based on this prompt: “How can young ‘Nones’ help transform the United States with their secular values, such as by voting?”

FFRF awarded 12 top prizes and 14 honorable mentions. (FFRF seeks to distribute essay scholarship monies to a higher number of students, so ties — such as fifth place in this contest — are not regarded in the typical tie fashion, where, in this instance, sixth place would be skipped.)

Winners are listed below and include the college or university they are now attending and the award amount.

First place Finn Mosher, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, $3,500 Second place Garrett Hartfelder, University of Southern California, $3,000 Third place Ashkon Shirazi, Brown University, $2,500 Fourth place Toby Shu, Georgetown University, $2,000 Fifth place (tie) Olivia English-Saunders, Michigan State University, $1,500 Lynn Sepersky, University of Wisconsin, $1,500 Sixth place Ivy Nichols, Colorado State University, $1,000 Seventh place Natalie Mendoza, Arizona State University, $750 Eighth place Quinn Weidner, North Carolina State University, $500 Ninth place (tie) Evelyn Dietz, Rollins College, $400 Brandon Norman, Mercer University, $400 Tenth place Emily Turner, Case Western Reserve University, $300 Honorable mentions ($200 each) Brietta Chen, Georgia Institute of Technology Anushka Chillale, University of Michigan Jayla Cole, Colorado College Abrahm Drake, Dickinson State University Ellie Emmelhainz, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Emily Fadgen, University of California-Riverside Tyler Howell, University of Florida Sarah Lam, UC-San Diego Samuel Lund, Colorado State University Jaiden Maltbia, Fisk University T Schiding, West Chester University Elijah Shewell, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Jacey Tanioka, Lewis & Clark College Aaminah Zeinelabdin, Howard University

The high school contest is named for the late William J. Schulz, a Wisconsin member and lifelong learner who died at 57 and left a generous bequest to FFRF.

FFRF warmly thanks FFRF’s Lisa Treu for managing the infinite details of this and FFRF’s other annual student competitions. And we couldn’t judge these contests without our volunteer and staff readers and judges, including: Don Ardell, David Chivers, Eric Evans, Richard Grimes, Tim Hatcher, Dan Kettner, Jeffrey LaVicka, Sammi Lawrence, Katya Maes, David Malcolm, Kurt Mohnsam, Chris O’Connell, Andrea Osburne, JoAnn Papich, Brooks Rimes, Sue Schuetz, Rose Mary Sheldon, PJ Slinger, Kimberly Waldron and Karen Lee Weidig

FFRF has offered essay competitions to college students since 1979, high school students since 1994, grad students since 2010 and one dedicated to students of color since 2016. A fifth contest, open to law students, began in 2019.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with over 40,000 members across the country. Our purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.

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NHCS high school students eligible for racial justice essay contest

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The New Hanover County Community Remembrance Project is sponsoring the second essay contest for all 9th-12th grade public high school students in New Hanover County.

The project is being sponsored in conjunction with the Equal Justice Initiative, based in Montgomery, Alabama.

“We conducted a successful essay contest in the 2022-23 school year, in which 8 students from 6 different public high schools in New Hanover won $6000! At least $5,000 prize money will be awarded this year to the winner(s) of this contest. We would like you to make your students aware of this contest. The contest launches September 1, and the final date for entry of an essay is December 15, 2024,” New Hanover County Community Remembrance Project wrote in a press release.

More information about the contest can be found here .

Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.

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